Unit Code: DNU707

Unit Name: Diet, Physical Activity and Wellness

Description: Fiji, together with other developing Pacific Island nations, have seen a decrease in infectious diseases and a significant rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), most notably cardiovascular disease (CVD). The most recent NCD STEPS survey in Fiji has revealed alarming trends of increasing levels of risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, poor diet, low physical activity and unhealthy behaviors . The Global Burden of Disease study in Fiji indicated that the main contributors to the burden of years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death were ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease in 2010. There is a direct relationship between physical activity and risk reduction to NCD’s. Promoting physical activity in combination with healthy diets has been estimated to be a cost effective, low cost and highly feasible option. NCDs are largely preventable. Both population wide measures and improved access to individual health care interventions can result in a major reduction in the health and socioeconomic burden caused by these diseases and their risk factors.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1. Compare the different food and physical activity guidelines available in the Pacific. 2. Determine the risk factors and apply wellness concepts to non-communicable diseases (NCD) 3. Assess the health status of different age groups in a population. 4. Explain the benefits of physical activity and changes in muscle anatomy. 5. Identify ways to change behaviour to enhance healthy lifestyle. 6. Develop weight reduction/management programmes through diet and physical activity. 7. Discuss barriers to behavioural change and dealing with relapse situation.

Prerequisite: NA

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1