Bowel-friendly food bags are given out on Loud Tie Day
EVERYBODY was encouraged to wear a loud tie or scarf yesterday to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer Guernsey.
Representatives of the charity handed out 240 bags containing porridge, fruit and information leaflets yesterday morning to raise awareness that everybody needs more fibre in their diet.
Oats are a good source of fibre, which can be incorporated into breakfast and healthy snacks.
Experts recommend eating snacks such as unsalted nuts, rye crackers, oatcakes and fresh and dried fruit and vegetables as a good source of fibre.
‘We started at 7.10am and we had given out 240 bags in under an hour,’ said the charity’s chairwoman, Anne Brouard.
Dr Rachel Heath said it had been a really successful morning.
‘I’ve really enjoyed it,’ she said.
‘It’s been really nice to raise awareness for Bowel Cancer Guernsey.
‘Increasing the fibre in our diets helps to feed the good bacteria and fungi that live in our bowels. The more different types of fruit and vegetables that you eat, the better your bacteria will be.’
She said everybody should aim to eat 30 different types of fruit and vegetables a week.
‘Like we’ve been giving out today, porridge is also really good for your bowels, there’s plenty of fibre and roughage in that,’ she said.
‘Things like Weetabix, Shredded Wheat cereal, brown bread, brown pasta and brown rice are much better for us.’
Staff at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre also donned ties and scarves in support of the initiative.
‘It’s part of the centre to support local initiatives,’ said head of recreation Sam Herridge.
‘I think it’s a fantastic charity and a fantastic initiative,’ said BodyZone staff member Andy Walker.
Customer relations advisor Debbie Masterton said: ‘Lots of people have been asking us why we’re wearing ties or scarves because they didn’t know about it.
‘It makes them aware of the importance of screening, and how screening can help catch things early.’
Formed in 2001, Bowel Cancer Guernsey wants people to realise that bowel cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early enough.
It sends out a free test to those eligible every two years, which is then posted back to the hospital for free.
More information can be found on its website, bowelcancerguernsey.org.gg, or its social media pages.
