Special Olympics World Summer Games ATHENS 2011 June 25 - July 4, 2011

Special Olympics

"Special Olympics is about sports but it is also about so much more.  For people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. It is inspiring when you see a father’s pride in his son's achievement … a mother's relief when her daughter makes friends … siblings cheering for their brother or sister for the first time."  

2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games are set for Athens, Greece. This event will mark the second World Summer Games in Europe and the third Summer Games held outside the U.S.

 

Words matter. Words can open doors to enable persons with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. Words can also create barriers or stereotypes that are not only demeaning to persons with disabilities, but also rob them of their individuality. Special Olympics prefers to focus on people and their gifts and accomplishments, and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes."

From Special Olympics Terminology

Appropriate Terminology

• Refer to participants in Special Olympics as Special Olympics athletes rather than Special Olympians or Special Olympic athletes.

• Refer to individuals, persons or people with intellectual disabilities, rather than intellectually disabled people or the mentally retarded.

• A person has intellectual disability, rather than is suffering from, is afflicted with or is a victim of intellectual disability.

• Distinguish between adults and children with intellectual disability. Use adults or children, or older or younger athletes.

• A person uses a wheelchair, rather than is confined or restricted to a wheelchair.

• “Down syndrome” has replaced Down’s Syndrome and mongoloid.

• Refer to participants in Special Olympics as athletes. In no case should the word athletes appear in quotation marks.

• When writing, refer to persons with a disability in the same style as people without a disability: full name on first reference and last name on subsequent references. Do not refer to an individual with intellectual disabilities as “Bill” rather than the journalistically correct “Bill Smith” or “Smith”.

• A person is physically challenged or disabled rather than crippled.

• Use the words “Special Olympics” when referring to the worldwide Special Olympics movement.

Terminology to Avoid
• Do not use the label “kids” when referring to Special Olympics athletes. Adult athletes are an integral part of the movement.

• Do not use the word “the” in front of Special Olympics unless describing a specific Special Olympics event or official.

• Do not use the adjective “unfortunate” when talking about persons with intellectual disabilities. Disabling conditions do not have to be life-defining in a negative way.

• Do not sensationalize the accomplishments of persons with disabilities. While these accomplishments should be recognized and applauded, people in the disability rights movement have tried to make the public aware of the negative impact of referring to the achievements of physically or intellectually challenged people with excessive hyperbole.

• Use the word “special” with extreme care when talking about people with intellectual disabilities. The term, if used excessively in references to Special Olympics athletes and activities, can become a cliché.

Become a Volunteer
Volunteering with Special Olympics creates change that carries forth from our Programs and into the world. Whether you’re an individual or a member of a school, church, work, civic or other group; whether you can volunteer for just a few hours on a single day as a scorekeeper, or several hours a week, year-round, as a special events coordinator; there are volunteer opportunities for you.

Support the Special Olympics

Your Gift can change a Life.

June 17th World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

"The management, conservation and sustainable development of dry forests are central to combating desertification. The ongoing greening of the Sahel and other success stories around the world show that degraded lands can be reclaimed by agroforestry and other sustainable practices. We need to scale up these interventions and disseminate their results widely."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonMessage on World Day to Combat Desertification17 June 2011



This year is the International Year of Forests and forests of the drylands cover 18% of the land in arid zones. Forests are critical to the eradication of poverty in the drylands and they are also the first step towards healing the drylands and protecting them from desertification and drought. Dryland forests are important biodiversity sanctuaries and provide ecosystem goods such as food, fuel, wood for construction, medicines and herbs. Dry forests are a buffer against drought and desertification and a safety net for the poor.


In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification.

UN launches decade-long drive
against desertification

Resource
United Nations, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Eat Your Vegetables Day, June17th

Key Consumer Message:

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

The Nutrition of Vegetables 

* Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. They do not have cholesterol.

* Vegetables are an important source of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C.

* Vegetables are a good source of Dietary fiber and may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.


Vegetables, from the
Dietary Recommendations for Americans, 2010
Increase vegetable intake. Eat recommended amounts of vegetables, and include a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, and beans and peas.

Include vegetables in meals and in snacks. Fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables all count. When eating canned vegetables, choose those labeled as reduced sodium or no salt-added. Add dark-green, red, and orange vegetables to soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries, and other main and side dishes. Use dark leafy greens, such as romaine lettuce and spinach, to make salads. Focus on dietary fiber—beans and peas are a great source. Add beans or peas to salads (e.g., kidney or garbanzo beans), soups (e.g., split peas or lentils), and side dishes (e.g., baked beans or pinto beans), or serve as a main dish. Keep raw, cut-up vegetables handy for quick snacks. If serving with a dip, choose lower calorie options, such as yogurt-based dressings or hummus, instead of sour cream or cream cheese-based dips. When eating out, choose a vegetable as a side dish. With cooked vegetables, request that they be prepared with little or no fat and salt. With salads, ask for the dressing on the side so you can decide how much you use. When adding sauces, condiments, or dressings to vegetables, use small amounts and look for lower calorie options (e.g., reduced-fat cheese sauce or fat-free dressing). Sauces can make vegetables more appealing, but often add extra calories.

From MyPlate.gov
Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the Vegetable Group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed.

Vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups, based on their nutrient content.

Dark-green vegetables.  All fresh, frozen, and canned dark-green leafy vegetables and broccoli, cooked or raw: for example, broccoli; spinach; romaine; collard, turnip, and mustard greens.

Red and orange vegetables.  All fresh, frozen, and canned red and orange vegetables, cooked or raw: for example, tomatoes, red peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and pumpkin.

Beans and peas (legumes). All cooked beans and peas: for example, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and pinto beans. Does not include green beans or green peas. (May be used under protein foods group.)Starchy vegetables.  All fresh, frozen, and canned starchy vegetables: for example, white potatoes, corn, green peas.

Other vegetables.  All fresh, frozen, and canned other vegetables, cooked or raw: for example, iceberg lettuce, green beans, and onions.


How many vegetables are needed daily? The amount of vegetables you need depends on your age, sex and level of physical activity.

Recommended Total Daily Amounts*
Children 2-3 years old; 1 cup
Children 4-8 years old; 1 ½ cups
Girls 9-13 years old; 2 cups
Girls 14-18 years old; 2 ½ cups
Boys 9-13 years old;  2 ½ cups
Boys 14-18 years old;  3 cups
Women 19-30 years old;  2 ½ cups
Women 31-50 years old; 2 ½ cups
Woman 51+ years old; 2 cups
Men 19-50 years old;  3 cups
Men 51+ years old; 2 ½ cups

*These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs. To see how many vegetables you need follow the link to MyPlate. 

Safety and Vegetables
* Wash vegetables before preparing or eating them. Under clean, running water, rub vegetables briskly with your hands to remove dirt and surface microorganisms. Dry after washing.
* Keep vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry and seafood while shopping, preparing and storing.

Healthy Kids PSA: Color of Life

Presented by Fruits and Veggies, More Matters

Bring color to your life, and your plate, with nutritious, delicious vegetables. Visit Fruits and Veggies,  More Matters for healthy recipes, menus, fruit and vegetable nutrition information, tips on healthy meal planning and how to get your kids involved in healthy cooking!

The Beach Boys singing Vegetables, 1967



John Leguizamo is
Captain Vegetable on Sesame Street

Resources

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010

Fruits and Veggies, More Matters

MyPlate.gov

'Waist Management' an Important Part of Every Man's Health

FOR RELEASE JUNE 15, 2011

CHICAGO – While it isn’t typically associated with men, watching your waist size and, if needed, losing a few inches around the middle can have significant health benefits for men, according to the American Dietetic Association.

“For men, it’s more about waist management than weight management,” says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Manuel Villacorta. “For men to be fit and healthy, we need to focus on our guts.”

Abdominal fat carries more potential health risks than fat in other parts of the body. Research has shown that men’s risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers increases as their waistline expands. The culprit: the fat around the body’s internal organs, known as visceral fat.

“For the average male, a waistline of 40 inches or more is getting into the disease-risk zone,” Villacorta says.

Registered dietitians say men’s questions, interests and needs regarding food and nutrition tend to focus on such areas as being healthier; looking good; performing at their best; having more energy; recovering from injuries and learning how they can excel through healthy eating and activity habits.

“Eating better, decreasing stress levels, engaging in physical activity and getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep every day can help keep a man’s midsection under control,” Villacorta says. “Take positive steps to get your waist size down, like reducing portion sizes and cutting back on alcohol, combined with regular exercise,” he says.

Registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Jim White says education is vital for men to take charge of their “waist management” and their overall nutrition and health.

“Just as it’s important to know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight numbers, men need to know their waist circumference.” White says. “So, get out the tape measure.”

According to White, to correctly measure waist size, bring the tape measure around your back (over your bare skin) to meet in the front on your natural waistline – typically a little above the belly button at the narrowest part of your torso. Don’t hold the tape measure too tight or too loose. Write down the result and use it as one guide for overall health.

“Being fit and healthy is important for men and women alike,” White says. “Men can start by taking charge of the food they eat and getting more exercise. You can lose extra belly fat, look better, and your health will also improve across the board.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org/ .

ADA Urges All the Men In Your Lives Take Ownership of Your Health and Nutrition

American Dietetic Association

Urges All the Men in Your Life:

Take Ownership of Your Health and Nutrition

CHICAGO – When was the last time your father, brother, husband or partner cooked a meal, asked for a second helping of vegetables or did the grocery shopping? If recent trends are a guide, it happened recently, according to the American Dietetic Association.

“More than ever, men are playing a role in buying and preparing the food that is eaten in their household,” says registered dietitian Martin M. Yadrick, past president of the American Dietetic Association. “Not only is budgeting finances important, but men are also realizing the need for healthy calorie budgeting, too.

“Think of eating in terms of contributing to your 401k. Doing the right thing over time will make a huge difference down the road,” Yadrick says. “My advice is: Guys, take ownership of all your personal health needs.”

Registered dietitians say men’s questions, interests and needs regarding food and nutrition tend to focus on such areas as being healthier; looking good; performing at their best; having more energy; recovering from injuries and learning how they can excel through healthy eating and activity habits.

For men of all ages and all stages of life, eating right and being physically active are as important to health as annual physical exams and visits to the dentist, Yadrick says.

“For men as well as women, good nutrition is vital, but a man’s nutrient needs are unique due to higher muscle mass, larger body size and hormonal differences.”

Men can serve as an example of healthful eating – at work or at home – by making smart foods choices when they’re around colleagues, children and spouses.

“Cut down on meat portions and fill up the extra space with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds,” Yadrick says. By including these foods on your plate every day, men can benefit their health and potentially stave off obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and dementia.

“You can stay healthy and active longer – and that includes your sex life and fertility – if you make good choices when you eat,” says Yadrick.

With research showing that making small dietary and lifestyle changes every day goes a long way toward improving your overall health picture for life, Yadrick encourages all men to jump aboard the eating right bandwagon.

“Adding nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal is a great step in the right direction. Cutting down on portion sizes can make a huge difference in your overall calorie intake,” Yadrick says.

“It’s the results that matter to men, and our taste buds and health can provide the proof that eating right pays off.”

The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at http://www.eatright.org/.

Featured Dietitians Kids Eat Right Volunteers, Sharing the Monday Message

Kids Eat Right is a joint initiative from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and American Dietetic Association Foundation. Kids Eat Right supports the efforts of the White House to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. The goal of Kids Eat Right is to educate families, communities, and policy makers about the importance of good nutrition.

The Kids Eat Right website centers around the theme "Shop-Cook-Eat." The goal is to bring families together each day for nutritious meals by providing simple and easily to follow tasks.

How to shop for healthy foods for your family.	How to cook foods to get the most nutrient value, including tips and recipes.	The benefits of eating together as well as tips to eat when away from home.

Share the Monday Message Campaign involves ADA member volunteers who distribute weekly advice through social media channels (such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.). The Kids Eat Right campaign provides resources to help ADA members become recognized leaders in childhood obesity prevention. Volunteers then educate the community on shopping ideas, cooking tips, eating right and recipes.

The following slides are examples of Monday Messages shared over the last seven months. Links to the articles are provided below. I encourage you to visit the Kids Eat Right website where you can view all the available messages.  

http://bit.ly/lOMjUQ

http://bit.ly/jBWbEd

http://bit.ly/e79Y7W

http://bit.ly/fEVfe3

http://bit.ly/mbQdso

http://bit.ly/hDyqZZ

http://bit.ly/hkgrCT

http://bit.ly/f8Av6b

http://bit.ly/f8Av6b

The Kid-Friendly Kitchen http://bit.ly/f8Av6b

http://bit.ly/fM9Tnm

http://bit.ly/hEQ8uF

http://bit.ly/gV1Dxd

Consumers, Caregivers, Educators, Journalists, Policy Makers To learn more about Kids Eat Right, visit Kids Eat Right
American Dietetic Association MembersTo become a volunteer, visit About Kids Eat Right andfollow the link to Sign Up as a Campaign Volunteer   

Dietitians-Online and Wellness News employs adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). The educational materials are designed for educators and individuals with limited reading skills. For additional information, please contact Dr. Sandra Frank at recipenews@gmail.com.

National Men's Health Week June 13 - 19, 2011

Men's Health Week.com  is maintained by Men's Health Network. Men's Health Network (MHN), is a non-profit educational organization focused on improving the health and wellbeing of men, boys and their families through a broad spectrum of national screening, educational campaigns, advocacy opportunities and patient navigation.

MHN can be found in every state and over 25 foreign countries. The advisory board consists of over 800 physicians, researchers, public health workers and community leaders specializing in men's and family health.

Preventative Care

When you get a preventive medical test, you’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for your family and loved ones:

• Men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year and are 22 percent more likely to have neglected their cholesterol tests.
• Men are 28 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure.
• Men are 32 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for long-term complications of diabetes and are more than twice as likely than women to have a leg or foot amputated due to complications related to diabetes.
• Men are 24 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for pneumonia that could have been prevented by getting an immunization.

The single most important way you can take care of yourself and those you love is to actively take part in your health care. Educate yourself on health care and participate in decisions with your doctor. This site will help you get started.

Source: Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data

Men's Health Week

The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

The Goals of Men’s Health Network

1. Save men's lives by reducing premature mortality of men and boys.

2. Foster health care education and services that encourage men of all ages to implement positive lifestyles for themselves and their families.

3. Increase the physical and mental health of men so that they can live fuller and happier lives.

4. Energize government involvement in men's health activities so that existing government health networks can be utilized to increase the health and well-being of men and boys.

Men: Stay Healthy at Any Age Your Checklist for Health (pdf file)
The information in this fact sheet is based on research findings from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF is the leading independent panel of experts in prevention and primary care. The Task Force, which is supported by AHRQ, conducts rigorous, impartial assessments of the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of a broad range of clinical preventive services, including screening, counseling, and preventive medications. Its recommendations are considered the gold standard for clinical preventive services.

 Tips for men to get/stay healthy.

Men's Health Tips from the
American Dietetic Association

Resources
US Department of Health and Human Services: Men's Health
Men's Health Network (MHN)
Get it Checked (pdf)
International Men's Health Week

June is National Dairy Month

A Tribute to the Dairy Industry:
From the Cow and the Farmer to Your Kitchen Table.

Nutrition and Health

Resource: National Dairy Council

Milk, cheese and yogurt play a critical role in the diets of adults and children by providing essential nutrients. Drinking one cup of milk can help you meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products per day.

One cup (8-ounce) serving of milk provides the following nutrients: (Information based on one cup fat-free white milk)

Calcium, provides 30% of the Daily Value. Calcium helps build and maintain bones and teeth. It plays a role in nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting.

Vitamin D, provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Vitamin D helps promote the absorption of calcium and enhances bone mineralization.

Protein, provides about 16% of the Daily Value and all of the essential amino acids. Protein builds and repairs muscle tissue and is a source of energy during intense physical activities.

Vitamin B12, provides about 22% of the Daily Value. Vitamin B12 helps build red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the muscles.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), provides about 26% of the Daily Value. Riboflavin helps convert food into energy. It is also involved in exercising muscles.

Phosphorus, provides about 25% of the Daily Value. Phosphorus helps strengthen bones.

National Dairy Council

The National Dairy Council provides some of the best nutrition education materials. They are advocates for healthy living and committed to our communities and health care needs. They are truly a user friendly organization.

National Dairy Council® (NDC) is the nutrition research, education and communications arm of Dairy Management Inc™. On behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers, and media.

Established in 1915, NDC is comprised of a staff of nutrition science researchers, registered dietitians and communications experts dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of consuming milk and milk products throughout a person’s lifespan. In addition, NDC funds independent research to aid in the ongoing discovery of information about dairy foods’ important role in a healthy lifestyle. This research provides insights to industry for new dairy product innovation.

In partnership with its network of state and regional dairy councils, NDC disseminates nutrition programs, materials and research to support government recommendations for improved nutrition for Americans, including consumption of at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products a day.

Programs, Blogs and More from the National Dairy Council.

Blog. The Dairy Report
Handout: Improve Diet Quality with Dairy

3-Every-Day™, a Dairy Promotion. Consuming 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy – three daily servings of milk, cheese, or yogurt is an easy way for families to get a powerful punch of nutrients to help build stronger bones and healthy bodies and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, a growing body of research suggests that enjoying three servings of dairy foods a day as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet may help maintain a healthy weight.

American Dairy Association of Indiana's Every Single Day TV Spot.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Visit the Fuel Up to Play 60 website to learn more.

Jill (Rockstar Nutritionist) Performs with the New York Jets
in Support of Fuel Up to Play 60

Lactose Intolerance.

"Webinar Slides (PDF version): Lactose Intolerance: Health Consequences and Nutrition Solutions"

Lactose Intolerance Health Education Kit

 Celebrating America's Dairy Industry

From Dairy Farming Today:

Dairy farms incorporate many sustainable practices that
minimize their impact on the environment.

Messages from the Dairy Councils and Associations

American Dairy Farmers, 1990’s

Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council

Got Milk? Campaign encourages the consumption of cow's milk and was created by the advertising agency Goodby Silverstein and Partners for the California Milk Processor Board in 1993. It was later licensed for use by milk processors and dairy farmers. You may want to stop by and visit their website. It is colorful, interactive and has great information

Got Milk?


Sponsored by the American Dairy Farmers

Tribute to the Dairy Advertisers.

I’m not sure who gets the credit for the Cow Tap Dancing,
but the Message is Milk gets you swinging again.

California Cheese "Sunshine" commercial

1977 Dannon Yogurt Commercials "Georgians Over 100"

Additional Resources

International Dairy Foods Association