WYNDHAM residents aren’t eating anywhere near enough fruit and vegetables, according to the latest population health snapshot.
The 2012 survey, conducted by the state government to gauge the health of communities statewide, found that 48 per cent of Victorian men and 41 per cent of women failed to eat the recommended five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day.
A serve is defined as one half-cup of vegetables and one medium piece or two small pieces of fruit.
In Wyndham, the outlook was far worse, with more than 57 per cent of men and 52 per cent of women failing to eat enough fruit and vegetables.
The survey ranked Wyndham as the fourth-worst municipality in the state for vegetable and fruit consumption. Wyndham also reported above-average rates of smokers, with 23.1 per cent of people aged 18-plus, compared to the state average of 19 per cent.
Residents’ daily soft drink consumption was also above average. Nearly 19 per cent drink soft drink every day, compared to 12 per cent statewide.
Cancer screening rates for breast, cervical and bowel cancer in Wyndham were among the lowest of all Victorian municipalities.
