September 10th, TV Dinner Day Tracing the Roots of Modern Day Obesity

Invention and view of the original TV dinner

Health Issues

TV dinners have been associated with high amounts of salt and fat, which are linked to risk factors of heart disease and obesity. Today, a number of manufacturers and retailers are making meals that are lower in salt, fat, and artificial additives.

Read the label, be an educated consumer.

Resource

FDA. How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

The Food Label Detective: Otis Spunkmeyer Wild Blueberry Muffin Can You Eat Just Half a Muffin?

*FDA 21 CFR 101.9 Nutrition labeling of food. (http://bit.ly/nVsDlD). FDA regulation allows manufacturers to round number of servings to the nearest 0.5 serving, as long as they use the term “about”. Serving size is based on RACC = Reference Amount Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion.

Most people assume one muffin is one serving.
As packaged foods get larger, so does the number of servings.
Read the label - Don't overeat.

The label can be misleading, but it is within the FDA Guidelines.*  

One Serving Size: 1/2 Muffin (57g/2 oz)

200 calories per Servings

Package Size: Net Wt. 12 oz (340g)

6 Servings per Container

One Muffin = 2 Servings (400 Calories per muffin)

MDA Telethon September 4th at 6 PM to Midnight Help Jerry's Kids

New Date and Time:

Sunday, September 4th, between 6 pm to midnight. 

To make a donation, click the link for MDA.

On 5/16/2011, Jerry Lewis announced his retirement as host of the annual MDA Telethon. Lewis has hosted the telethon since 1966 and will make his final appearance on  September 4, 2011. He will continue to serve MDA as the National Chairman. 

We are grateful for the years of dedication and the contributions Jerry Lewis has made to fight Muscular Dystrophy.

To make a donation, 

click the link for MDA.

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.

The American Dietetic Association Announces the Theme for National Nutrition Month, March 2012

March 2012 starts the American Dietetic Association annual National Nutrition Month® Campaign.
The theme  - "Get Your Plate in Shape".

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 fifth annual Registered Dietitian Day
will be celebrated
on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.

Registered Dietitian Day increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

 
 

The Food Label Detective: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish® Crackers in Grab & Go Containers

*FDA 21 CFR 101.9 Nutrition labeling of food. (http://bit.ly/nVsDlD). FDA regulation allows manufacturers to round number of servings to the nearest 0.5 serving, as long as they use the term “about”. Serving size is based on RACC = Reference Amount Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion.

The label can be misleading, but it is within the FDA Guidelines.*

20 out of 20 consumers thought this was a Single Serving Container.

 Serving Size: 50 pieces (30g/1.1 oz)
130 calories per Servings
ABOUT 2 Servings per Container


Container Size: Net Wt. 2 oz (57g)

Actual yield = 1.9 servings
247 Calories per Container

Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for Back to School

Healthy Lunchbox

Cynthia Sass Want to pack more nutrients into your childs lunchbox
this schoolyear? Parents TV Host Juli Auclair talks to an expert about how
to make healthy lunches your kids will love.

Healthy Lunch Boxes

Glenys and Amanda from Dairy Australia give their tips on packing a
healthy lunchbox and whipping up some tasty sandwhiches.

 

Parent Talk TV: Lunch Box Ideas for Back-to-School

 Healthy Eating Tip from the Danone Institute

of Canada. Andrea Howick shares

some lunch box ideas for back-to-school lunch boxes.
Hummus and  veggies, whole wheat pita bread sandwich,
whole wheat tortilla wrap with roast turkey and green apple.

 Appetite for Health - Back to School Lunches

Katherine Brooking, MS, RD discusses ways to

prepare delicious and nutritious lunches and snacks in minutes.

Lunch Box Makeover

The Sneaky Chef has some tips to keep your kid satisfied,

 happy and healthy all day long.

The Food Label Detective: Campbell's Select Harvest Light Southwestern-Style Vegetable

*FDA 21 CFR 101.9 Nutrition labeling of food. (http://bit.ly/nVsDlD). FDA regulation allows manufacturers to round number of servings to the nearest 0.5 serving, as long as they use the term “about”. Serving size is based on RACC = Reference Amount Customarily Consumed per Eating Occasion.

The label can be misleading, but it is within the FDA Guidelines.*

Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml or 8.1 oz) = 50 calories

Servings per Container About 2.

(Actual yield 2.3 servings)

Can Size: Net Wt. 18.6 oz (527g)

(Actual number of calories per can 114.8)

Why not make the Net Wt. 16.2 oz. and leave out the word "About"?

August 3rd National Watermelon Day

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.

2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.

3. Wash cutting boards, counter tops, scoops, knives and other equipment or utencils with hot water and soap to avoid cross contamination.

4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.
5. Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.

Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons

Giant Watermelons

Visit a family who has grown giant watermelons for three generations.