Southern DHB gets behind the ‘Switch to Water’ campaign

Media Release

Thursday 3 November 2016

Southern DHB gets behind the ‘Switch to Water’ campaign

Southern DHB is getting behind the New Zealand Dental Association’s (NZDA) ‘Switch to Water campaign,’ by encouraging both staff and patients to swap sugary drinks for water.

Southern DHB will be joining NZDA to raise awareness about the importance of oral health through education, advocacy and access to oral care tomorrow on ‘National Oral Health Day,' and former Silver Fern player Irene van Dyk is this year's National Oral Health Day ambassador.

“Sugary drinks don’t only cause tooth decay but they cause obesity, diabetes and other health problems too. By encouraging our staff and patients to switch to water, we hope to get them to set a good example for everyone to follow,” said Southern DHB Oral Health Services Clinical Leader Dr Tim Mackay.

Photo left to right: Amy Waqawai, Adolescent Oral health Coordinator; Paula Parker, Unit Manager; Kate Hall, Oral Health Promotion Advisor; Amanda Hunt, Oral Health Promotion Advisor; and Mike O’Brien, Oral Health Promotion Advisor

The campaign calls for participants to take up the challenge to switch their sugary drinks to water for 30 days. You can sign up any time until Sunday 20th November.

“We’re asking our staff to take part in the challenge either as an individual or as part of a team. Up for grabs are Fitbit wristbands for individuals or a water filter system for the winning workplace,” said Southern DHB Oral Health Promotion Advisor/Coordinator, Kate Hall.

Tomorrow, on National Oral Health Day, all patients attending a Southern DHB dental clinic will be encouraged to ‘Switch to Water’ and will be given a bottle of water and a sticker.

“We’ve also got displays, posters and resources available across the district so patients and staff get the message to ‘Switch to Water.”

Switching sugary drinks to water can:

• Switch off tooth decay

• Switch on weight loss

• Switch on health benefits

• Switch on saving money

Participants in the Switch to Water campaign can access further information atwww.healthysmiles.org.nz , through the DHB oral health team, and through their local dental practices.

ENDS

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