From now until Jan. 15, you can put your sodium knowledge to the test and win big by taking the Healthy Families BC Sodium Facts Contest.

By answering questions about sodium on the Healthy Families BC website, you will be entered to win weekly prizes of new kitchen appliances. The grand prize is a choice of either $5,000 in groceries or specially selected kitchen appliances. No matter which option the grand prize winner chooses, they will also receive $1,000 worth of meal planning services from a registered dietitian.

Excess sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure, which is the leading preventable risk factor for death in B.C. and worldwide. Right now, British Columbians consume more than double the amount of sodium considered adequate to promote good health in adults.

Increasing your sodium awareness will make it easier to make healthier choices for you and your family. A good way to ensure you are getting the right amount of sodium is to always check the nutrition facts label on all packaged foods. Look for the percentage daily value (% DV). A helpful hint: five per cent daily value or less is a little, while 15 per cent or more is a lot. Consumers are advised to read those labels and aim for less than 15 per cent daily value.

Healthy Families BC is the ministry's health promotion and prevention strategy. It is targeted at reducing chronic diseases and obesity levels in the province through healthy eating and physical activity. The $68.7-million strategy will see the implementation of a variety of healthy living initiatives to improve health and promote wellness in every part B.C.

By entering the contest, you also gain access to the Healthy Families BC Online Community. Here you can explore a wide range of healthy living resources from recipes to videos to blogs by registered dietitians and so much more.

Quick Facts:

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are the largest causes of disability and death in British Columbia.
• Excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure, the major cause of cardiovascular disease and a risk factor for stroke and kidney disease.
• There is also evidence that a diet high in salt is a risk factor for osteoporosis, stomach cancer and asthma.
• The recommended daily sodium intake for an adult is 1,500 mg, but the majority of British Columbians consume more than twice that amount, at 3,400 mg. This means that the average British Columbian consumes the equivalent of 11 cups of salt a year.
• Evidence shows that if we are physically active, achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, enjoy a healthy diet and refrain from smoking, we can reduce our risk factors for most chronic diseases by up to 80 per cent.

Learn More:

Test your sodium knowledge and enter the Healthy Families BC Sodium Facts Contest at: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)