Beyond nutrients

Population Health Congress was a stimulating event. Wednesday's plenary on advocacy for food security brought to mind my second response to the Poetry Party. Michael Marmot is always so inspiring - and certainly no less on this occasion. I missed the first day plenary but heard good reports of the renewed challenge to environmental sustainability and mitigation of the effects of climate change. The lack of overlap between my public health circle and my faith community struck me during the week. The potential overlap is enormous. I did cite Brian McLaren in the paper I presented. And thought how relevant the Young Ambassadors for Peace programme was when I listened to a paper about the homicide of journalists. Back to the Wednesday plenary. Among many good things I was struck by Jane Dixon and her analysis that over emphasis on nutrient content has robbed food of cultural meaning. And contributed to the obesity crisis in developed nations. To round off a busy week I had a couple of hours to spare on Wednesday afternoon and enjoyed a wander through the impressive Brisbane art gallery. I will enjoy exploring more of this my new country with a trip to Darwin and the Litchfield National Park - starting tomorrow. I will be taking a camera this time!