As a major partner of the SunSmart Ironman Western Australia event, Healthway is committed to providing participants and spectators with balanced and informed advice to aid in healthy living.

Some important information on sports drinks.

The National Health and Medical Research Council’s Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia indicate that adequate fluid consumption is an integral component of a healthy diet. The Guidelines state that a child’s fluid needs are best met by water and milk, although fruit juice in limited quantities is good and can provide valuable nutrients.

Sports Medicine Australia recommends that children consume 150-200 millilitres (and adolescents 300-400ml) of fluid 45 minutes before exercise and 75-100ml (and adolescents 150-200ml) each 20 minutes during exercise. Although plain water is considered the best source of fluid, flavoured drinks and sports drinks in moderation may be more palatable and facilitate fluid replacement, especially during and immediately after exercise. Young athletes should ensure they drink frequently to stay hydrated. Post activity, the use of high sugar and carbonated drinks should be discouraged and children should drink water liberally to ensure they re-hydrate (Sports Dieticians Australia 2008).

Some important information on sports foods.

Sports foods are specially formulated to assist sports people in achieving specific nutritional or performance goals. Such foods are intended as supplements to a diet rather than for use as the sole or principal source of nutrition. Because they can contain certain micronutrients and other ingredients which are not permitted to be added to other foods, they are not suitable for consumption by children under the age of 15 years. (The Australian Food Safety Standard 2.9.4)

Some Important Information about Sun Protection

Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world. Two in three Australian’s will develop skin cancer before the age of 70, and every year 1700 people die from this disease. The good news is that skin cancer is almost totally preventable. Being SunSmart is a simple and effective way of reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. Remember to protect yourself in five ways – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. For more information on how to prevent skin cancers go to the Cancer Council WA website http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/sunsmart/.