Inuvik (May 26/06) - More than 12 businesses and organizations were hit with a flurry of information about healthy living last week.

A group of public health workers from the Inuvik Regional Hospital visited different locations around town to inform people about improving their health.

Crystal Navratil demonstrates the amount of fat that is found in some fast food in Inuvik. Navratil was part of a group of public health workers who made a presentation at the Gwich'in Tribal Council office last week. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Crystal Navratil, community health representative, said the tour was a good way to spread the word about healthy living.

"You might be surprised to learn what you put in your bodies," said Navratil, during a visit to the Gwich'in Tribal Council office last week.

Navratil was joined by diabetes educator Nichole McDonald. They showcased the amounts of harmful fats found in every day fast food.

A tub of lard was used to illustrate the amount of fat in each food.

"Watch for saturated fats in your foods," warned Navratil. "They are the worst fats for our bodies. They can lead to heart attacks, strokes and clogged arteries."

Navratil said it has been a common belief that drinking canned iced-tea is a better alternative to soda pop.

"People think there is more sugar in regular pop, but there is more sugar in iced-tea," explained Navratil.

The can of cola weighed in at 10 teaspoons of sugar, while the iced-tea had 12 teaspoons.

The age-old battle between butter and margarine was also examined by Navratil and her crew.

"Margarine is synthetic, which is not naturally made," she said.

Although butter is a natural mixture, Navratil said both should be used in moderation.

Lawrence Norbert broke a silence by asking which of the two spreads would be better on his caribou dry meat.

Physiotherapist David Pechter also made a presentation about proper ergonomics in the workplace and the importance of sitting properly.

"I want to minimize the stress on your bodies while you work," Pechter told the group of listeners.

Proper posture in a chair was explained, as well as the reasons why a good back rest is important for your health.

"The stressing and strains on your muscles and joints can be reduced with proper keyboard and mouse placement," explained Pechter.

"Keep them both on the same level and make sure your wrists are comfortable," he said.

Bacteria and germs were covered by Chris Beveridge. He works with environmental health and started his demonstration with a black light.

"You would be surprised with what you leave behind if you don't wash your hands properly," said Beveridge.

After applying a solution to his own hands, Beveridge then walked around the room, touching a chair and cupboard handle.

He then shook the hand of an audience member, and asked him to inspect it.

"A lot of the bad germs are invisible to the human eye," said Beveridge.

Once the black light was turned on, a white glow appeared on the items he had touched, and on the man's hands as well.

"Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds," said Beveridge.

He also discussed the new line of hand sanitizers, which can be found in desk drawers all over.

"This is a new craze and people think it helps," said Beveridge.

He explained that the sanitizer strips your hands of natural germs, which help protect you from bacteria.

"So if you use this stuff, you're just opening yourself up for different germs."

More than 112 people were counted in attendance by the health team and prizes were raffled off at each location.

The raffle items included healthy snacks and stickers for them to post around the office.