Wild Food Day October 28, 2011

For thousands of years people have been eating foods grown in the wild. Wild Foods include wild greens, mushrooms, roots, fruits, berries, vegetables flowers, just to name a few.

AZ of Bushcraft (E for Edible wild food)

How to identify and eat wild plants and how to cook Fish over an open fire.

Today, the gathering of wild foods have become increasingly popular.  People  consider wild foods healthier and eco-friendly.

Resource:  The Forager's Wild Food Basics

The Forager's Credo

When in doubt, throw it out!

...the six smartest words to remember

when learning about collecting and eating wild plants and mushrooms.

Tricky Treats, a Story about Healthy Snacks Presented by the CDC

Introduces the character of Coyote, a trickster, and shows children the difference between healthy snacks and sweet treats.

October is National Pretzel Month

A Brief History Of The Pretzel, presented by Synder's of Hanover

A Look at Pretzel Commercials Over the Last 39 Years

In 1971, the use of the word "Salt", did not have the negative effects it has today - as seen in the Mister Salty Pretzel's commercial below.

Today, the popular advertisement words are Sustainability or Renewable.

 

National Nut Day October 22, 2010

Nuts once considered a high fat, high calorie food is now being recognized as a Nutritious Snack with essential fatty acids, omega fats, protein and many vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits of Nuts

Answers Below

Nutrition Analysis is based on 1/4 cup, unsalted
Source USDA Nutrient Database.

Almonds (#8)

Calories (kcal) 132
Protein (g) 5
Carbohydrates (g) 5
Dietary Fiber (g) 2.8
Fat (g) 11.4
Saturated Fat (g) 0.9
Mono Fat (g) 7
Poly Fat (g) 2.8
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 2.8

Cashews (#2)

Calories (kcal) 187
Protein (g) 5.4
Carbohydrates (g) 9.6
Dietary Fiber (g) 1.1
Fat (g) 15.4
Saturated Fat (g) 2.7
Mono Fat (g) 8.4
Poly Fat (g) 2.8
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 2.7

Macadamia. (#7) Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association (HMNA)

Calories (kcal) 237
Protein (g) 2.6
Carbohydrates (g) 4.4
Dietary Fiber (g) 2.6
Fat (g) 25
Saturated Fat (g) 3.9
Mono Fat (g) 19.6
Poly Fat (g) 0.5
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 0.4

Peanuts (#1)

Calories (kcal) 213
Protein (g) 8.6
Carbohydrates (g) 8
Dietary Fiber (g) 3

Fat (g) 18.1
Saturated Fat (g) 2.5
Mono Fat (g) 9.0
Poly Fat (g) 5.7
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 5.7

 

Pecans (#6)

Calories (kcal) 171
Protein (g) 2.3
Carbohydrates (g) 3.4
Dietary Fiber (g) 2.4
Fat (g) 17.8
Saturated Fat (g) 1.5
Mono Fat (g) 10.1
Poly Fat (g) 5.3
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 5.1

Pine nuts (#5) 

Calories (kcal) 227
Protein (g) 4.6
Carbohydrates (g) 4.4
Dietary Fiber (g) 1.2
Fat (g) 23.1
Saturated Fat (g) 1.7
Mono Fat (g) 6.3
Poly Fat (g) 11.5
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 11.2

Pistachios. (#4) 

Calories (kcal) 175.6
Protein (g) 6.6
Carbohydrates (g) 8.5
Dietary Fiber (g) 3.2
Fat (g) 14
Saturated Fat (g) 1.7
Mono Fat (g) 7.4
Poly Fat (g) 4.3
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 4.2


Walnuts (#3)

Calories (kcal) 163.5
Protein (g) 3.8
Carbohydrates (g) 3.4
Dietary Fiber (g) 1.7
Fat (g) 16.3
Saturated Fat (g) 1.5
Mono Fat (g) 2.2
Poly Fat (g) 11.8
Cholesterol (mg) 0
Omega 6 Fatty Acid (g) 9.5

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Ability Awareness

Mission
The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

Meet a family who shares their
amazing story of love and living.

About Buddy Walk

The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October and to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Today, the Buddy Walk program is supported nationally by NDSS and organized at the local level by parent support groups, schools and other organizations and individuals.

Over the past fifteen years, the Buddy Walk program has grown from 17 walks to more than 300 expected in 2010 across the country and around the world. Last year alone, 250,000 people participated in a Buddy Walk! They raised more than $9.5 million to benefit local programs and services as well as the national advocacy initiatives that benefit all individuals with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk is a one-mile walk in which anyone can participate without special training. It is a wonderful, heart-warming event that celebrates the many abilities and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk in your local community!

 

World Osteoporosis Day October 20, 2010

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is the leading consumer and community-focused health organization dedicated to the prevention of osteoporosis and broken bones, the promotion of strong bones for life and the reduction of human suffering through programs of public and clinician awareness, education, advocacy and research.

The drastic consequence of osteoporosis is visible in the lives of the millions of sufferers worldwide. Spinal, or vertebral, fractures are the most common type of fragility fracture, yet remain largely undiagnosed and untreated. World Osteoporosis Day 2010 will focus on spinal bone health and the impact of vertebral fractures.

Researchers today know a lot about how you can protect your bones throughout your life. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D and regular exercise are important for your bones.

Nutrition and Health: Osteoporosis
by The Dairy and Nutrition Council of Indiana and Indiana Dairy Farmers

You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones. Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. But it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Now is the time to take action.

World Menopause Day October 18, 2010

Menopause - as a teenager it seems so far away. You never think it can happen to you. In your 20's and 30's, you’re having children or deciding whether to have children because eventually "The Change" will happen. By your 40's, if you've had enough children or decided not to there is a sense of sadness or relief.

Then it happens, Menopause. I was 45 years old. I chose not to take hormones because I really don’t like taking medications, unless it is absolutely necessary. I was going to face the “Big M” through good nutrition, physical activity and a positive attitude. Somehow I made it through.

Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Me?

My Personal Suggestions for Hot Flashes.
1. For those who work in hospitals or long term care facilities, check out the walk-in refrigerator or freezer. When my staff was looking for me, it was the first place they looked.

2. If you're food shopping, quickly go to the refrigerator section and stay there until the hot flash passes.
3. Always carry a cold beverage.
4. Remember to laugh, it's all apart of life.

The Golden Girls and Menopause

The International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has designated October 18 as World Menopause Day. In observation of the day, the IMS, through its organizations of Affiliated Menopause Societies, distributes sample press materials to inform women about menopause, its management and the impact of estrogen loss. World Menopause Day can also be a call to implement policies that support research and treatment in the area of menopausal health.

The IMS hopes that national societies will take the opportunity of World Menopause Day to highlight the increasing importance of menopausal health issues, by contacting the women of their country to encourage them to talk to their doctors about menopause and its long-term effects.

I Will Not Age

From Menopause the Musical

World Food Day October 16, 2010

"United Against Hunger"

World Food Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in November 1979. FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on October 16th, the day on which the Organization was founded in 1945. 

WORLD FOOD DAY 2010

If we are to make a difference, we must be united against hunger. The “1 billion hungry project” reaches out to people through online social media to invite them to sign the anti-hunger petition at http://www.1billionhungry.org/.

The objectives of World Food Day are to:

*Encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end;

*Encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries;

*Encourage the participation of rural people, particularly women and the least privileged categories, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions;

*Heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world;

*Promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world; and

*Strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development.

Global Handwashing Day October 15th

Global Handwashing Day 2010 will focus around schools and children. Encouraging communities to plan activities surrounfing playgrounds, classrooms, community centers and public areas.

Global Handwashing Day will involve millions of people in more than 80 countries across all five continents to wash their hands with soap.

Of the approximately 120 million children born in the developing world each year, half will live in households without access to improved sanitation. Poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation together contribute to about 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases.

The goal is to make handwashing with soap an automatic behavior.  This one act can save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter.

The main objectives of this global celebration are:
• Foster and support a global and local culture of handwashing with soap.
• Shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing in each country.
• Raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap.

The Global Handwashing Day's theme video with
instructions for children on how to wash their hands properly.

It’s In Your Hands

National School Lunch Week October 11 – 15, 2010

"In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children,
or more prosperous than its farmers." - President Harry Truman,
on signing the 1946 National School Lunch Act.

Through the Years

The National School Lunch Program was created in 1946 when President Truman signed the National School Lunch Act into law. The National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition assistance program. Through the years, the program has expanded to include the School Breakfast Program, Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Feeding Program and the Summer Food Service Program. In 1962, Congress designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as "National School Lunch Week."

The video below looks at the school lunch program from the late 1930’s to the present day. One can see from the photographs some of the changes in the foods provided. There is an increase in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and lowfat dairy. (Part of the video has clips from a film produced by the USDA in the mid-60s.)

President Obama stated, "The National School Lunch Program will once again become a national priority. Good nutrition at school is more vital than ever, in light of the increased number of children in the US who are obese or overweight.”

Chefs across America are getting involved by creating more nutritious and appealing school meals. "Chefs Move to Schools," is a partnership linking chefs with schools in their communities and has more than 1,900 volunteers creating wholesome meals while teaching students about nutrition and healthy food choices.

USDA is creating a network with local farmers, States, localities, tribal authorities, school districts and community organizations to provide more fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and nutritious foods for school meals.

School Nutrition Association (SNA)

Overview. Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, the SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946. The School Nutrition Association is a national, nonprofit professional organization.

Mission. To advance good nutrition for all children.

Vision. Healthful meals and nutrition education are available to all children.

The SNA works to ensure all children have access to healthful school meals and nutrition education by:
*Providing members with education and training
*Setting standards through certification and credentialing
*Gathering and transmitting regulatory, legislative, industry, nutritional and other types of information related to school nutrition.
*Representing the nutritional interests of all children.

SNA has launched a new campaign called Tray Talk. The site is designed to emphasize the benefits of school meals and showcase success stories from school nutrition programs nationwide.

http://www.traytalk.org/ - Learn about School Meals, Share your Ideas
Brought to you by the School Nutrition Association

Salad Bar in Every School on WJLA-TV
United Fresh Foundation places salad bars in schools for better child nutrition. WJLA TV in Washington profiles the impact on one area school.

Priceless: School Lunch

"Priceless" launched the One Tray campaign depicting the cafeteria tray as the conduit for a reformed school food system that supports healthy children, local farms, and smart schools. The video was created by three IATP Food and Society Fellows, Shalini Kantayya, Nicole Betancourt, and Debra Eschmeyer to raise awareness for the Child Nutrition Act.

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture stated “National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals." 

What did Christopher Columbus and his Crew eat on their Voyage to America?

On the evening of August 3, 1492, Columbus departed from Palos de la Frontera, Spain with three ships: the Niña, Pinta and Santa María. Land was sighted on October 12, 1492. Columbus called the island San Salvador (today it is known as the Bahamas).

Scurvy was one of the worst health problems onboard Christopher Columbus ships. Fresh fruits and vegetables were not taken on these long voyages due to spoilage. This resulted in a high incidence of scurvy among the sailors. The relationship between scurvy and Vitamin C had not been discovered yet.

The typical foods brought on these long journeys consisted of water, vinegar, wine, olive oil, molasses, honey, cheese, rice, almonds, salted flour, sea biscuits, dry legumes, salted and barreled sardines, anchovies, dry salt cod and pickled or salted meats (beef and pork). Fresh livestock included pigs and chickens were part of the ships provisions. Fish was readily available.

Foods were commonly salted and pickled as a method of preserving the food. The crew was served two meals a day. Foods were mostly boiled and served in a large wooden bowl. The sailors ate with their fingers because they had no forks or spoons. There was a lack of proper sanitation. Hand washing before meals was not required.

There is a legend that during one of Christopher Columbus's voyages some sailors had scurvy and wanted to be dropped off at one of the nearby islands and die there rather then dying on board. While the men were on the island they ate some of the island's fresh fruits and vegetables and to their amazement began to recover. When Columbus's ships passed by several months later, the captain saw the men were alive and healthy. The island was named Curacao, meaning Cure.

Christopher Columbus Discovers America

Pirates For Sail talks about Scurvy Awareness and Prevention
Filmed at Piratz Tavern, Silver Spring, MD http://www.piratztavern.com/
From http://www.limestrong.com/ 

October 3, 2010 Intergeneration Day

From our past we carry the love, inspiration and tradition of our ancestors. The future holds promise and hope as a new generation emerges. They carry the strength of the past and the courage and commitment to make the world a better place.

Generations United is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening connections between young and old through policies, programs and education. 

Recently Generated United held a photo contest. Here are the winners of the 2010 Photo Contest "Because We're Stronger Together". The photos represent multigenerations from all over the world.

Creating New Traditions

President Obama prepares lunch for his wife Michelle and their two daughters Malia and Sasha. The president brings to the table a rich background in culture. Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother, he spent most of his early life in Honolulu, Hawaii. From ages six to ten, he lived in Jakarta with his mother and Indonesian stepfather. I'm not sure tuna is a tradition from his parents or grandparents, put he is passing this tradition down to his children.

Cooking With Kids: Tutti-Frutti Salad

Inspired by the reality of Childhood eating disorders and the lack of time families spend in the kitchen together, "Cooking With Kids" television segments were designed to motivate parents and children to cook healthy, nutritious meals together. Narrated by Michelle Weinbender, RD.

How to Get Your Kids Involved
in the Cooking Process

October 2010 Wellness News

Wellness News is your resource for current Health, Nutrition and Food topics and events. Subjects encourage awareness and inspire ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. 
 

October Monthly Events
Weekly and Daily Events can be found in the Wellness Newsletter.

 October Highlights

National Breast Cancer Awareness

Disability Employment Awareness

World Blindness Awareness
Children's Magazine Month
Christmas Seal Campaign
Dyslexia Awareness
Energy Management is a Family AffairGlobal Diversity Awareness
Head Start Awareness
Chiropractic Month
Depression Education & Awareness
Domestic Violence Awareness
National Down Syndrome

National Liver Awareness
National Medical Librarians
National Orthodontic Health
National Physical Therapy
National Spina Bifida Awareness
Positive Attitude
Domestic Violence Awareness
National Crime Prevention
National Cyber Security

Halloween Safety
National Apple Month
Caffeine Addition Recovery Month
Celiac Disease Awareness
Co-op Awareness

Eat Better, Eat Together

Go Hog Wild Eat Country Ham
Health Literacy Month
Long Term Care Planning Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Bake and Decorate Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Cookbook Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pork Month
National Pretzel Month

National Seafood Month
Sausage Month
Spinach Lovers Month

Tackling Hunger Month

Vegetarian Month

Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
National Go On A Field Trip Month
Nutrition, Health & Wellness Field Trips
National Work and Family Month