Dietitian from Middle Island Medical Clinic in Warrnambool Ruth Walker is organising the forum which will take place on October 5. 

It is the second community health forum ran by Ms Walker - the first one in June focused on dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome.  

Ms Walker said putting thought into your diet could have far-reaching positive health outcomes.

“Research has found that making small, simple lifestyle changes and adopting a Mediterranean-style diet can actually add years to your life,” Ms Walker said.

“The Mediterranean-style diet is also strongly associated with decreased rates of heart disease, stroke, some forms of cancer, depression and cognitive decline.

“This is not only good for individuals, but for families and communities too.

“When there is less sickness, families and communities function better and there is less burden on the health system.”

Ms Walker said communities in Mediterranean regions had led the way in adopting small-scale public health campaigns.

She said these campaigns had been based on a collective approach to making simple lifestyle changes.  

“It is very possible for individuals and families in Warrnambool to adopt similar small, simple lifestyle changes that will protect their health now and for the future,” Ms Walker said.

“A great place to start is with food, especially delicious food. Italian, Spanish, Greek, Moroccan.

“The Mediterranean diet comes in many forms with a variety of flavours.

“It has been an icy-cold winter in Warrnambool.

“But this should not stop people from bringing some sunshine into their kitchens with flavours from the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean.” 

Ms Walker said the forums were a way of providing a novel and fun way to get the message across about the importance of people making good health choices. 

The Mediterranean diet forum will be held at Middle Island Medical Clinic.

It will include dinner and a presentation about the benefits of a taking on a Mediterranean diet.

Additional funds raised from the night will go to Peter’s Project.

To register for the forum call Middle Island Medical Clinic on (03) 4504 4800.