Childhood Obesity Awareness The Breakfast Connection

Children are our future. As adults, parents, educators and health professionals it is our responsibility to teach children about healthy food choices, benefits of physical activities and building self-esteem. 

On September 1, 2010 President Obama declared September "National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month".

President Obama stated, "One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a Nation is to safeguard the health and well-being of our children. We now face a national childhood obesity crisis, with nearly one in every three of America's children being overweight or obese. There are concrete steps we can take right away as concerned parents, caregivers, educators, loved ones, and a Nation to ensure that our children are able to live full and active lives. During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to take action to meet our national goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation."

Obesity has a profound effect on a child's life. Health problems related to childhood obesity include the following:

  Asthma

  Diabetes, type 2

  High blood pressure

  High cholesterol

  Heart failure

  Bone and joint problems in the lower body

  Growth abnormalities

  Emotional and social problems

  Poor self-esteem

  Victims of Bullying

  Breathing problems

  Rashes or fungal infections of the skin

Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to become an obese adult with health problems in adulthood, such as:

  Heart disease

  Stroke

  Certain types of cancer

  Osteoarthritis

  Gout

  Gallbladder disease

Breakfast and Child Obesity

    *Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight.
    *Children who skip breakfast feel tired or lack energy.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have problems concentrating.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have lower grades in school.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have learning and behavioral problems.
    *Children who skip breakfast may develop nutritional deficiencies.

Children who eat breakfast are
Alert, Energized and Ready for a Brand New Day.

September 29, 2010 National Women's Health and Fitness Day

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. The next event is set for Wednesday, September 29, 2010, and in future years, will always be held on the last Wednesday in September.

This unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout the U.S. — focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day will also be part of a new National Women’s Health and Fitness Week, to be held annually the last week in September. On Wednesday, September 29, 2010, more than 1,400 groups across the country will host women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation districts, local health and service organizations, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, and other community locations. An estimated 40,000 to 100,000 women are expected to participate in these local activities.

Family Dinner Day The Rewards are Amazing. Make the Time

Family meal time is an ageless tradition shared by people all around the world. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.
 

Why Eat Together As A Family?




Family Dinner
Segment from World Report, April 2009

A recent family study conducted by Brigham Young University, quizzed more than 1500 IBM employees. The results show that families who spend time eating dinner together will encounter less conflict between family and work.

The BYU study appeared in issues of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report and Slate magazine. Dr. Jacob expressed the hope for society to value dinner time, and not allow things to interrupt it.

In fact, a multi-national study cited by the marriage and family therapy program at the University of Minnesota and its director, reports family meal time has a more positive influence on emotional and intellectual development in children and teens than sports or additional time in school.

Quick and Easy Meals to
Bring Families Together at Meal Time



Meet 6 real families taking the
LET'S FIX DINNER Challenge

Meet six families who are struggling to get to the dinner table, but are committed to seeing what having more dinners can do for them. Each family has different goals and struggles, but theyre willing to do what it takes to see just how powerful dinner together can be.

A Date With Your Family
1950s Instructional Video - Somethings have Changed

September 26, 2010 World Heart Day

2010 Theme

"Workplaces Wellness: Take responsibility for your own heart health"

World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year, 80% in the developing world.

The World Heart Federation exists to prevent and control these diseases through awareness campaigns and action, promoting the exchange of information, ideas and science among those involved in cardiovascular care, advocating for disease prevention and control by promoting healthy diets, physical activity and tobacco free living at an individual, community and policy maker level. Our work is organized in four programme areas.

     Awareness

     Advocacy

     Applied Research
     Sharing Science & Building Capacity

Visit the World Heart Foundation for more information.

    

September 26, 2010 National Pancake Day

Celebrate National Pancake Day as a fun family activity.
Remember a stack of pancakes is not a single serving.

1 stack (20 pancakes) equals approximately 1600 calories

"Perfect Pancake" - "Sid the Science Kid"

What is a Pancake?

A pancake is a thin, flat cake prepared from a batter and cooked on a hot griddle or frying pan. Most pancakes are quick breads; some use a yeast-raised or fermented batter. Most pancakes are cooked one side on a griddle and flipped partway through to cook the other side. Depending on the region, pancakes may be served at any time, with a variety of toppings or fillings including jam, fruit, syrup or meat.

The pancake's shape and structure varies worldwide. There are numerous variations of them throughout Europe. A crêpe is a French variety of thin pancake cooked on one or both sides in a special crepe pan to achieve a network of fine bubbles often compared to lace - a savory variety made from buckwheat is usually known as a galette. In Germany, pancakes can be made from potatoes. In Italy they can be fried and stuffed with ricotta and chocolate into what is known as a cannoli.

Healthy Pancake Recipes

Click the links to obtain the recipes.

Oatmeal Pancake Recipe by Stella Juarez, yields 10 pancakes.
Nutrients Per Serving
Calories (kcal) 59.8
Fat (g) 0.9
Saturated Fat (g) 0.1
Cholesterol (mg) 0.4

Mr. Breakfast, Light And Tasty Lemon Yogurt Pancakes, yields 8 servings
Analysis is based on the use of egg substitutes.
Nutrients Per Serving
Calories (kcal) 104.2
Fat (g) 3.7
Saturated Fat (g) 0.3
Cholesterol (mg) 0.7

September 25, 2010 Family Health and Fitness Day USA

Family Health and Fitness Day USA is a national health and fitness event for families always held the last Saturday in September. This year is the 14th Annual Family Health and Fitness Day USA and is set for Saturday, September 25, 2010.

The event's purpose is to promote the importance of regular physical activity for children and their parents. Families will participate in health promotion events at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including YMCAs and health clubs, park districts, schools, houses of worship and state and local health organizations. 

It's Family Time!

You can jump rope, ride bikes, and take a walk as a family. Remember to be safe by using sunscreen, bike helmets, and staying hydrated.

Dear Food Diary September 22, 2010

Today is Dear Diary Day and I thought what a wonderful way to introduce the Food and Activity Diary (or Journal).

Food and Activity Diary

No matter how many great weight control programs are out there, the Food and Activity Diary is one of the key tools to successful weight control.

The research for my doctoral degree was on the study of people who successfully lost at least 20 pounds, kept it off for at least five years and were still at their desired weight range at the time of the study. I wanted to know if there were common factors leading to their success at maintaining weight loss. One of the factors turned out to be the Food Diary. Seventy-three percent of the indidviduals studied used a diary, journal or some form of record keeping.

You might be surprised by what you discover about your habits. It’s easy to overlook a handful of Parmesan cheese tossed on your pasta or the amount of salad dressing you use. In addition, you may notice patterns of eating; such as boredom, anger, sadness, happiness, or 12 noon. By becoming aware of habits, you can start to make changes.

How to Use a Food Journal (Diary)

A  Diary is a record of your life in progress. Use the diary to record your daily foods, activities, thoughts and goals. You will lose weight and keep it off. And if you have the chance to read it ten year from now, you will have fond memories and a documented journey of your adventure and success.

The Food and Activity Diary was designed to be used by any weight control program. So whether your counting calories, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, points, or food groups you can easily use the Food and Activity Diary.

How to Use the Diary

Motivation, Inspiration and Positive Thinking. Start your day off on a positive note. If you start to slide, remember the positive thought for the day.

Record the foods and the amounts of everything you eat and drink, even one grape. Don’t forget to weigh or measure your food. In time, you will be able to guess the size, but for now make sure you have a kitchen scale, measuring cups, and measuring spoons. See the portion control section at Weighing Success for suggested measuring tools.

Be honest. Do not write down a carrot when you just ate a hot fudge sundae.

Record foods right after eating, otherwise you may forget.

In the tracking column, note the number of calories, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, points or food groups you have consumed. The food plan you are on will determine what you will track.

Obtaining nutrition information on food products is easy today. Check the internet, the nutrition label, or a book on foods and nutrients.

At the end of the day, total up your numbers and place them in the summary box. How did you do? There is also a place for you to monitor your activities or exercise, thoughts and goals.

At the end of each 7 days there is a week in review section. Look at what you have accomplished and set new goals. Practice positive thinking and complete the weekly self-awareness assignment.

Click on the link below to take you to a practice sheet and a seven day food diary. I have filled in the first day as an example for you to follow.

Seven Day Food Diary (pdf files)

Free Resources
USDA MyPyramid Tracker. Food Diary
My Fitness Pal. Nutrition Information. No need to join.
Good Guide. Nutrition Information

World Alzheimer's Day September 21st

World Alzheimer's Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the need for more education, support and research. Millions of families across the United States and the world are affected by this disease.

Stolen Dreams: Alzheimer Awareness

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer research. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s, and since our founding in 1980, we have moved toward this goal by advancing research and providing support, information and education to those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Our Mission: To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Our Vision: A world without Alzheimer’s.

 

September 21, 2010 International Day of Peace

Secretary-General's Message for
International Day of Peace 

The International Day of Peace, observed each year on
21 September, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence.
This year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on
young people around the world to take a stand for peace
under the theme, Youth for Peace and Development.

Follow the activities on the Global Boadcast for the

International Day of Peace

 Together We Can Change the World

Salmonella Does Not Discriminate

FDA initiates rules to protect the public from salmonella contaminated eggs

FDA Inspection Affirms HSUS Investigation



The latest egg recall that caused a salmonella outbreak raises questions about whether the Food and Drug Administration can handle its job. Betty Ann Bowser looks at how large quantities of imported pharmaceuticals and food are straining the FDA safety net.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is coming down on three egg producers in Maine with ties to Austin "Jack" DeCoster, whose Iowa-based farm was linked to the recent US egg recall, reports Boston.com Thursday.

The Committee has asked DeCoster to hand in inspection documents linked to egg contamination from Dorothy Egg Farms, Mountain Hollow Farms and Quality Egg of New England; the three farms distribute about 100 million cartons of eggs yearly to Maine's grocery stores.

"The companies appear to be linked to DeCoster, but we don't know what role, if any, they played in the recall," said Committee spokeswoman Karen Lightfoot.

Two Iowa farms issued recalls after over 1,500 people in the US were sickened by alleged salmonella contaminated eggs.

The American Dietetic Association Announces the Theme for National Nutrition Month, March 2011.

"Eat Right with Color"

March 2011starts the American Dietetic Association annual National Nutrition Month® Campaign. The theme is "Eat Right with Color".

The American Dietetic Association created National Nutrition Month® as a nutrition education and information campaign to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The fourth annual Registered Dietitian Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Registered Dietitian Day was created to increase awareness of registered dietitians as the food and nutrition experts and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

Students' Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

by Jill Eckart, BA, Kathryn A. Strong, MS, RD, Darlene K. Moppert, MS, RD, Neal D. Barnard, MD

From the Florida Public Health Review, 2010; 7, 64-69.
The significance of the study in determining if offering plant-based options as part of a comprehensive school wellness policy may encourage healthful eating patterns, and can complement the benefits of nutrition education and physical activity. Whereas more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of offering plant-based options in schools, providing these items appears to be feasible and beneficial in the short term.

Abstract
Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

To view the full study click the following link: Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program.

Happy Birthday Google, 2010

Google Turns 12 years old

I've know Google for quite some time. Google is more than a Search engine or an advertisement company. Google is my friend.

When I need an answer to a question, I just ask Google. Most of the time Google points me in the right direction. Google even has a sense of humor. I once asked Google a question and it responded by saying "I need to learn how to ask questions".

Google has helped me in so many ways, both personally and professionally...

1. Assisted in finding special adaptive equipment for my son who has cerebral palsy.
2. Found answers about food, nutrition, history, politics, art, culture, music. etc..
3. Taught me about organizations that provide assistance for people.
4. Allowed me to visit places, I've only dreamed about.
5. Introduced me to colleagues all over the world.

To view the history of Google click the following link. http://www.google.com/corporate/history.html

Happy Birthday

Wishing you a wonderful year.
Through the eyes of a Dietitian.

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon Help Jerry's Kids

The first Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon was broadcasted over Labor Day weekend in 1966 by one TV station in New York City. Now, more than 40 years later, the show will be broadcast by more than 170 MDA “Love Network” stations, assisted by approximately 250,000 volunteers across the country. Nearly 40 million people will see the show.

In 1998, MDA's Telethon made history as the first telethon seen around the world via Internet simulcast.

Jerry’s goal of raising “one dollar more” than the previous year’s total has been more than met almost every year, thanks to the generosity and compassion of the American public.

 To make a donation, click the link for the MDA website.

Where Telethon Dollars Go

The Telethon is the single most important fundraising event of the year for MDA. Funds raised help the Association carry on its fight against muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases, including a worldwide program of basic and applied research, a nationwide network of comprehensive medical and support services, and extensive professional and public education. Children and adults with muscle-damaging diseases benefit directly from dollars raised during the Telethon.

Strolling through the Archives of MDA

Early MDA telethon, mid-1960s.

 

Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
Reunion on the MDA Telethon

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis reunite after twenty years on the 1976 MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon. Frank Sinatra surprises Jerry by bringing on Dean and then some nervous and hilarious clowning between the two ensue. This is followed by a medley of American Standards by Dean and Frank. In two parts, this is the complete segment of the reunion. An important and historic piece of entertainment history.

Sammy and Jerry Friendship

from 1987 MDA Telethon

A Dedication to Mattie Stepanek (7/17/90-6/22/04)

Mattie Stepanek was a 13 year old boy who had a rare form
of muscular dystrophy. He was a poet, a peacemaker, and a hero.
The song is "He Was Just Like Me" was written and recorded by
Mattie's friend Madison Cross in memory of him.

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.

MDA Tribute to Ed McMahon (1923 – 2009)

Muscular Dystrophy Association (PBS)

To make a donation, click the link for the MDA website.

Abbey Umali Sings "For Good" on the
2009 MDA Labor Day Telethon

Abbey Umali - Jerry Lewis
MDA Telethon Collection

2009 MDA Telethon finale,
“You’ll never walk alone”

Abbey Umali Opens the
2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

2010 MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon
Final Total and Ending

To make a donation,
click the link for the MDA website.