WESTERN BUREAU: "THERE IS no food such as bad food," says Marsha Woolery, dietician in the office of the Ministry of Health Regional Department, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay. "It is important to have a variety of foods in one's diet, a little of everything is good," she said in her keynote address at Tuesday's Sandals Montego Bay Health Exposition. "There is no such thing as bad food, all food is important but should be taken in moderation." PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES The exposition included exhibits from health care practitioners in the areas of colon care, sexually transmitted disease, anal care, and mental and dental health. The objective of the event was to promote healthy lifestyles to the resort's staff and community by providing a range of information and material for participants. Ms. Woolery told the gathering that poor eating habits and inadequate physical exercise are associated with the increase in chronic disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension. She said that in order to slow down the growing trend, individuals would have to change or alter their lifestyles. "It is important for us to alter or change our lifestyles by making healthy food choices, increase physical activity and the ability to deal with stress," she commented. "Unhealthy social practices should be eliminated from our lives such as smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages." She emphasised the need to make healthy food choices and the ultimate reduction of fat consumption and added that "fat intake should be lowered by removing the skin and fat from meat and chicken." Ms. Woolery suggested the use of low fat, skimmed milk and light soya milk in meal preparation, instead of whole milk. The dietician warned against the use of canned foods, processed meats and powdered seasonings in food preparation. "Salt, powder seasonings, process meat and canned foods should be used in moderation," she advised.