Tricky Treats, Halloween Story from the CDC

Tricky Treats is part of the Centers for Disease Control,

animated Eagle Book Series.

The Eagle Books consists of four books that are brought to life by wise animal characters, Mr. Eagle and Miss Rabbit, and a clever trickster, Coyote, who engage Rain that Dances and his young friends in the joy of physical activity, eating healthy foods, and learning from their elders about traditional ways of being healthy. Animated versions of the four books bring the characters to life. Narrated by author Georgia Perez and voiced by children and adults from the Standing Rock Sioux tribal nation, the animated versions provide an interactive tool to engage children in activities and discussions about healthy eating, and the joy of being active while looking to traditional ways to stay healthy and prevent type 2 diabetes.

October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, RD and Down Syndrome Nutrition

Every October, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) reminds the world in a big way about the gifts that people with Down syndrome bring to their communities through a special video presentation on a jumbo screen in the heart of the Times Square.
 

The Times Square Video presentation kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month on the morning of the New York City Buddy Walk. This year, our third-party volunteers chose over 200 photos from over 1,000 submissions for the Times Square Video. The featured photographs highlight children, teens and adults with Down syndrome working, playing and learning alongside friends and family. These collective images promote acceptance and inclusion, which is the foundation of NDSS and the National Buddy Walk Program.

Joan Guthrie Medlen, M.Ed, RD and
the Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook

Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, a mother of a child with Down syndrome, a registered dietitian, and the author of “The Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook: A Guide to Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,” encourages parents to start teaching healthy habits early but stresses that it's never too late to start, no matter what age.

Joan became involved in issues related to people with Down syndrome after the birth of her son. “As we all know, parents of kids with disabilities are involved in the big picture immediately – like it or not! I chose to work in the field of nutrition/health promotion for people with Down syndrome over 16 years ago. It’s a choice I've not regretted.”

Introducing Cooking By Color:

Recipes for Independence by 

Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, RD

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.

October is National Pretzel Month

How Pretzels are Made

Pretzels with Dips

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.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Health Benefits of Pink Foods

Health Benefits of Pink Foods

Pink Grapefruits contain lycopene. Lycopene is a naturally occurring chemical that gives fruits and vegetables a red color. It is one of a number of pigments called carotenoids. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage. Current research is exploring the role of lycopene in relationship to preventing heart disease and cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon, uterine, and pancreas.

Pink Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, pink salmon is rich in calcium, protein, magnesium and potassium; and contains iron, niacin, selenium, and vitamins A, B-12, C and E. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Beets are a good source of fiber, potassium and folate. Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets may protect against the development of cancerous cells and might play a role in reducing the inflammation associated with heart disease.

Raspberries contain high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol and antioxidant being studied as a food in the fight against cancer. Raspberries are also rich in anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound that gives them their red color. Anthocyanins may help protect the circulatory, cardiovascular and neurological systems. Raspberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber; and is a low-glycemic index food.

Red Onions are a natural sources of quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin is being studied for treating conditions of high cholesterol, heart disease, circulation problems, diabetes, cataracts, peptic ulcers, inflammation, asthma, gout, chronic fatigue syndrome, preventing cancer, and for treating chronic infections of the prostate. Quercetin research is evaluating the effectiveness of increased endurance and improved athletic performance. Red onions also provide allicin, an organic sulfur compound responsible for the taste and smell of onions. Allicin may protect against inflammation, allergies, and bacteria; and may reduce the risk factors of certain types of cancers.

Guavas are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, and manganese. A guava contains about 4 times the amount of vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps, protects cells from free radical damage. Currently there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of guava in the treatment of colic, diarrhea, diabetes, cough, cataracts, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. More research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of guava for these conditions.

Yogurt, Raspberry, Low Fat or Fat-Free Yogurt has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, due to its bacterial cultures and the many nutrients it contains. Yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium and potassium. Some research shows that yogurt with probiotic cultures may help improve the immune system; reduce yeast infections in women; help with digestion; and reduce colon and other cancer risks. Calcium has beneficial effects on bone mass and may help prevent osteoporosis. Many people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy yogurt. One serving of yogurt is one eight-ounce cup or serving.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
NBCAM Organizations Working Together
References. http://www.nbcam.org/
American Cancer Society (ACS) www.cancer.org
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists www.acog.org
American College of Radiology (ACR) www.acr.org
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) www.asco.org
The American Medical Women's Association (AMWA) www.amwa-doc.org
AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation, www.astrazeneca-us.com/foundation
CancerCare www.cancercare.org
Men Against Breast Cancer (MABC) www.menagainstbreastcancer.org
National Medical Association (NMA), www.nmanet.org
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) www.ons.org
Prevent Cancer Foundation www.preventcancer.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® www.komen.org
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) www.cms.gov
National Cancer Institute (NCI), www.cancer.gov

October 22, National Nut Day

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

In the Kitchen: Nut Essentials

Toby Smithson extols the health benefits of a variety 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

How Nuts are Prepared

Recipes and Marketing Nuts - Now and Then

Planters Commercial

Oregon Hazelnut

Sharon Palmer, RD - Steel Cut Oats Risotto with Walnuts

World Osteoporosis Day October 20, 2012

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. Established in 1984, NOF is the nation's leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. World Osteoporosis Day 2012 will focus on "Stop at One: Make Your First Break Your Last." 

World Osteoporosis Day 2012 North America Media Launch

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans. Of the 10 million American’s estimated to already have osteoporosis, eight million are women and two million are men. 

What can you do to protect your bones?
Osteoporosis and the broken bones it can cause are not part of normal aging. Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood and continue throughout life.
1. Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well balanced diet.
2. Engage in regular exercise.
3. Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables.
4. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.


What Women Need to Know

Females are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. 

• Of the estimated 10 million Americans with osteoporosis, about eight million or 80% are women.

• Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

• A woman's risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

There are multiple reasons why women are more like to get osteoporosis than men, including:

• Women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men.

• Estrogen, a hormone in women decreases sharply when women reach menopause, which can cause bone loss. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause.

Are You at Risk for Developing Osteoporosis?

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

•           Being over age 50.

•           Being Female.

•           Menopause.

•           Family History.

•           Low Body Weight/Being Small and Thin.

•           Broken Bones or Height Loss.

Controllable Risk Factors

•           Not Getting Enough Calcium and Vitamin D.

•           Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables.

•           Getting Too Much Protein, Sodium and Caffeine.

•           Having an Inactive Lifestyle.

•           Smoking.

•           Drinking too much alcohol.

•           Losing Weight.

There are also medications and diseases that can cause bone loss and increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Calcium and Vitamin D 
Getting enough calcium and vitamin D are essential to building stronger, denser bones early in life and to keeping bones strong and healthy later in life. Calcium and vitamin D are the two most important nutrients for bone health.

Calcium-Rich Food Sources 
Dairy products, such as low-fat and non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese are high in calcium. Certain green vegetables and other foods contain calcium in smaller amounts. Some juices, breakfast foods, soymilk, cereals, snacks, and breads have calcium that has been added. 

Vitamin D Sources
There are three ways to get vitamin D: • Sunlight 
• Food 
• Supplements 

Three Steps to Unbreakable Bones

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.

Resources and References. To learn more about Osteoporosis, please visit the following Foundations.
International Osteoporosis Foundation 
 National Osteoporosis Foundation  1150 17th Street, NW Suite 850 Washington, DC 20036 • 1.800.231.4222

October 19, National Mammography Day

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October 19, National Mammography Day. Remind a friend to have a Mammogram. Pass it Along.

Information obtained from the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Understanding Mammograms

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. When breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives.

Women should have mammograms every two years from age 50 to 74 years; and more often if breast cancer runs in the family or you have any symptoms or changes in your breast.

To find out where you can get a mammogram, the CDC has provided the following resources.
· If you have a regular doctor, talk to him or her. 
· Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). For TTY: 1-800-332-8615. 
· For Medicare information, you can call 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 
· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a program called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program,which works with health departments and other groups to provide low-cost or free mammograms to women who qualify. Find out if you qualify.

National School Lunch Week October 15–19, 2012

"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 and includes President Obama signing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. 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.) When I think of the School Nutrition program my first thoughts turn to Dayle Hayes, MS, RD and Darlene Moppert, MS, RD. These registered dietitians and nutrition experts are advocates for our children. In addition, they take the time to teach, educate, and enlighten the school staff, parents, family, media and legislators. Recently, Dayle initiated a “Give Thanks ... for the School Nutrition Heroes who make “SCHOOL MEALS THAT ROCK.” Acknowledging the hard working people who help feed our children is a positive step in recognizing what is right about our school meals.  School Meals that Rock is a place to share and celebrate what is right with school nutrition in America. It is a counter-revolution to the media bashing of school meals and a tribute to every lunch lady (and gentleman) working to do amazing things for kids' nutrition. I encourage you to visit School Meals That Rock and see what progress is being made in our schools. Darlene Moppert, MS, RD took a giant step to offer students the ability to purchase vegan menu items in the National School Lunch Program. Each year Darlene, the Broward County Public Schools and the Broward County Dietetic Association sponsors a National Nutrition Month Poster Contest. The event helps educate children, families and the community. Recently, Darlene Moppert participated in a Broward School workshops to help teachers with disabled students. Darlene Moppert, RD, Program Manager, Nutrition Education and Training, Food and Nutrition Services, Chairperson, Nutrition Committee is involved with families and community organizations. She addresses food and nutrition issues, recommends nutrition policy and programs, and ensures school meals are culturally diverse and meet special dietary needs. Learn more at the Broward County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services. School Lunch Resources  Organizations, Associations, and Programs School Nutrition Association 2012 Theme: “School Lunch – What’s Cooking?” 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. National Farm to School Month Farm to School is broadly defined as any program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health, nutrition education, and supporting local and regional farmers. Farm to School programs exist in all 50 states, but since Farm to School is a grassroots movement, programs are as diverse as the communities they serve. About the Farm to Preschool program at UEPI, Occidental College The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. Kids Eat Right your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker you need reliable resources and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals. Team Nutrition. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Materials. Campaign launched by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ is about making America's children healthier. It's about practical suggestions that will help you motivate children and their caregivers to eat healthy and be active. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Campaign messages and materials are fun for children and informative for caregivers. Building Blocks for Fun and Healthy Meals; Fact Sheets For Healthier School Meals Choose MyPlate. The website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets. Let’s Move is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active. Elmo Doesn't Fear Obama's School Lunch Elmo joins White House Chef Sam Kass in White House kitchen to talk about the importance of healthy and delicious school meals following President Obama's signing of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. We Can. The We Can! GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods fact sheet (pdf) can be posted on the refrigerator or used when grocery shopping. The We Can! Parent Tips - Snack (pdf) 100 Calories or Less tip sheet can help consumers choose vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk for healthier snacks. Healthy Children The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Healthy Children - Nutrition; Food Allergies in Children Action for Healthy Kids, we believe there are ways to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and undernourishment. Learn how Action for Healthy Kids is working with schools, families and communities to help our kids learn to be healthier and be ready to learn. National Dairy Council® (NDC) Child Nutrition Fuel Up To Play 60 sponsored by National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school program that encourages the availability and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, along with at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Fruits and Veggies More Matters Additional Resources The Chefs Move to Schools program, run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will help chefs partner with interested schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.  Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). Improving child nutrition is the focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The legislation authorizes funding and sets policy for USDA's core child nutrition programs. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act allows USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, opportunity to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children. Priceless: School Lunch "Priceless" launched the 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."