Lifestyle changes for better quality of life
The event was an opportunity for Unilever to demonstrate its ambition in health and vitality and exchange ideas on the latest scientific developments with health care professionals and representatives from global health, NGOs and governmental organisations.
Heart health for a longer life
Cardiovascular disease is one of the key health concerns today, with around 75% of deaths attributed to high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, low fruit and vegetable intakes, an inactive lifestyle and smoking.
Unilever is at the forefront of heart health research and the marketing of heart health products with brands such as Becel / Flora, focusing on blood cholesterol lowering, and initiatives such as the Plant Sterol Information Service to raise heart health awareness.
Expert opinion
Speakers such as Prof Frank Hu, Harvard School of Public Health; Prof David Wood, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College and Prof Eberhard Windler, University Hospital, Hamburg, discussed the important role lifestyle changes can play in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Vindi Banga, Foods president, outlined how the Foods category uses its in-depth knowledge of consumers to drive its portfolio choices and partnership activities. He said: "A big part of our portfolio is already in the Vitality space, but we can do more and we are taking the steps to do more. We need to reflect the aspirations of the consumers in our brands, to embrace vitality and place it at the core of our business."
"People everywhere want to look better, achieve more, feel good every day, give their children a good start, be free from health problems and be healthy all their lives," said Gerda Feunekes, Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, explaining Unilever's Vitality Life Goal model representing consumer aspirations around Vitality.
Playing our part
Hans Zevenbergen, brand nutrition director, Becel / Flora, talked about the major role the food industry can play in preventing consumers from becoming patients. And Thea Koning, also of the Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, outlined how peptides, as found in Becel / Flora's pro.activ blood pressure mini-drink, have been demonstrated to control blood pressure.
Prof Philip Poole-Wilson, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, pointed out that cardiovascular disease is a complex problem that needs the involvement of many parties in society to make a difference.
Working in partnership
At the satellite symposium 'Partnering for change', Unilever brought together key stakeholders in people's health, including the World Heart Federation, UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition with the objective of learning from each other what is needed to make partnerships work.
