National Nutrition Month and Beyond

National Nutrition Month®  is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, National Nutrition Month® promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as a valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.

National Nutrition Month® Campaign

During National Nutrition Month® and Beyond, help the Academy achieve its vision of a world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.

Key Messages:

1.      Include a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis.

2.      Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store.

3.      Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways
    to use leftovers later in the week.

4.      Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that’s right for you, as
    MyPlate encourages us to do.

5.      Continue to use good food safety practices.

6.      Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.

7.      Realize the benefits of healthy eating by consulting with a registered dietitian
    nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice
    to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. The goal is to increase awareness of the registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDNs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

Be sure to visit the Academy's National Nutrition Month® website during the upcoming months for new and updated resources to help make National Nutrition Month® celebration an infinite success!

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

Reference
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month®

National Triglycerides Day

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat. They are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats you eat. Triglycerides also come from extra calories. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Your VLDL cholesterol particles carry the triglycerides to your tissues.

Having a high level of triglycerides can raise your risk of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease.

What causes high triglycerides?

Factors that can raise your triglyceride level include

• Regularly eating more calories than you burn off, especially if you eat a lot of sugar
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Certain medicines
• Some genetic disorders
• Thyroid diseases
• Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
• Liver or kidney diseases

How Triglycerides is Diagnosed

What are the treatments for high triglycerides?

You may be able to lower your triglyceride levels with lifestyle changes:

• Controlling your weight
• Regular physical activity
• Not smoking
• Limiting sugar and refined foods
• Limiting alcohol
• Switching from saturated fats to healthier fats

Some people will also need to take cholesterol medicines to lower their triglycerides.

Resources.

1. High levels of fat in the blood in the form of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease. #Eatright 

2. What Are High Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides? American Heart Association

3. Triglycerides, MedlinePlus

Try Healthy Red and Pink Foods

Red and Pink Foods

Food Sources

Apples, Beets, Cayenne, Cherries, Cranberries, Guava, Kidney Beans, Papaya, Pink Beans, Pink/Red Grapefruit, Pomegranates, Radicchio, Radishes, Raspberries, Red Bell Peppers, Red Cabbages, Red Chili Peppers, Red Corn, Red Currants, Red Grapes, Red Onions, Red Pears, Red Peppers, Red Plums, Red Potatoes, Red Tomatoes, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Watermelons

Do you know other foods that are Red or Pink?

About Red Fruits and Vegetables.

Red fruits and vegetables get their color from natural plant pigments called lycopene or anthocyanins. Both are phytonutrients, which have health-promoting benefits, such as:

·         Reduces the risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer

·         Reduces the risk of heart disease

·         Protects our bodies’ cells from environmental damage (harmful free-radicals)

·         Lowers blood pressure

·         Lowers LDL cholesterol

·         Aids in memory

·         Maintains the health of the urinary tract system

Lycopene is a carotenoid and antioxidant. Examples of food sources include tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, and papaya.  

Anthocyanins, an antioxidant found in cranberries, raspberries, red grapes, strawberries, and other red to purplish fruits and vegetables may help protect cells from damage.

In addition, red fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals and are rich in fiber. Fiber helps maintain the digestive system.

Kidney Bean, Red Onion and Tomato Salad
New York Times, by Nigella Lawson 

Ways to increase Red Food Intake:
Add strawberries or raspberries to cereal or low-fat yogurt.
Freeze seedless red grapes for a sweet snack.
Add thin slices of red tomatoes or red apples to a sandwich.
Add red kidney beans to soup, salads or rice dishes.
Dice tomatoes and red apples and add to a salad.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants. They are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. Phytonutrients help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase of fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene, and flavonoids.

National Caffeine Awareness Month - Pros and Cons of the Caffeine Craze

So what's the harm, ask caffeine lovers, who point to studies showing the benefits of caffeine, such as boosting memory and improving concentration and perhaps lowering risks of diseases such as Alzheimer's and liver cancer.

But others are alarmed by what they say is an increasingly overcaffeinated nation; they are concerned about studies finding too much caffeine can set you up for high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and decreased bone density -- not to mention jangled nerves.

Caffeine abuse by young people alarms some experts. It was the cause of many calls to an Illinois Poison Center over a three-year tracking period, a team of doctors reported at the American College of Emergency Physicians annual meeting in New Orleans.

FDA investigating caffeine-infused food

Though today we look at the caffeine in Carbonated Beverages, this is also an opportunity to view the caffeine in energy drinks that have been cited as the cause of some deaths and are currently being investigated by the US FDA. Some energy drinks contain 2 to 3 times the amount of caffeine found in soda.

Links between energy drinks and death

Hidden Dangers of Caffeinated Energy Drinks



Caffeine (mg) based on 12-ounces Soda

Caffeine   Soda

  (mg)

 71.2         Jolt       

 69.0         Diet Pepsi Max 

 55.0         Pepsi One

 55.0         Mountain Dew

 55.0         Mountain Dew Code Red

 55.0         Diet Mountain Dew

 46.5         Tab

 45.6         Diet Coke

 44.4         Shasta Diet Cola

 43.0         Diet RC Cola

 43.0         Diet Dr. Pepper

 40.0         Diet Sunkist Orange

 37.5         Pepsi-Cola

 36.0         Diet Pepsi

 34.0         Coca-Cola Classic

 34.0         Diet Cherry Coke

 29.0         AW Creme Soda

 22.0         AW Diet Creme Soda

 0              7-Up

 0              Sprite, regular or diet

 0              AW Root Beer

Resources
1. WebMD: Pros and Cons of the Caffeine Craze

World Kidney Day - Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere

Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – from Prevention to Detection and Equitable Access to Care

One in ten adults has chronic kidney disease (CKD). The global burden of CKD is increasing and is projected to become the 5th most common cause of years of life lost globally by 2040. Chronic kidney disease is a major cause of catastrophic health expenditure. The costs of dialysis and transplantation consume 2–3% of the annual healthcare budget in high-income countries; spent on less than 0.03% of the total population of these countries. In low-income and middle-income countries, most people with kidney failure have insufficient access to life-saving dialysis and kidney transplantation. 

Crucially, kidney disease can be prevented and progression to end-stage kidney disease can be delayed with appropriate access to basic diagnostics and early treatment. There is a need to increase the awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals, and policymakers. 

This year, World Kidney Day continues to raise awareness of the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide and to strive for kidney health for everyone, everywhere. 

Acute kidney injury (AKI), an important driver of CKD, affects over 13 million people worldwide and 85% of these cases are found in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Around 1.7 people are estimated to die annually because of AKI.

Moreover, CKD and AKI are important contributors to increased morbidity and mortality from other diseases and risk factors including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, as well as infections such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis. Furthermore, CKD and AKI in children, not only lead to substantial morbidity and mortality during childhood but also result in medical issues beyond childhood.

Challenges to kidney health: disparities & access

Despite the growing burden of kidney diseases worldwide, kidney health disparity and inequity are still widespread. CKD and AKI often arise from the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age including poverty, gender discrimination, lack of education, occupational hazards and pollution among others.

Transplantation is considered the most cost-effective treatment of CKD. However, it has high set up costs with regards to infrastructure and requires highly specialized teams, availability of organ donors and cannot be done without dialysis backup. Physical and legal infrastructure requirements and cultural bias against organ donation often present barriers in many countries, making dialysis the default option.

However, while national policies and strategies for non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in general are present in many countries, specific policies directed toward screening, prevention, and treatment of kidney diseases are often lacking. More than half (53%) of countries that have an overarching NCD strategy in place have no management guidelines or strategy for improving the care of people with CKD (either specifically or within a broader NCD strategy).

What we call for

This year, World Kidney Day sets out to raise awareness of the high and increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide and the need for strategies for kidney disease prevention and management.

Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere calls for universal health coverage (UHC) for prevention and early treatment of kidney disease.

The ultimate goal of a UHC policy is to promote population health by ensuring universal, sustainable and equitable access to essential healthcare of high quality, protecting people from health impoverishment and improving equity in health across socioeconomic groups.

Specifically, WKD calls on everyone to advocate for concrete measures in every country to improve kidney care:

• Encourage and adopt healthy lifestyles (access to clean water, exercise, healthy diet, tobacco control. Many types of kidney diseases can be prevented, delayed and/or kept under control when appropriate prevention measures are in place.
• Make screening for kidney diseases a primary healthcare intervention including access to identification tools (e.g. urine and blood tests). Screening of high-risk individuals and early diagnosis and treatment is cost-effective to prevent or delay end-stage kidney diseases.
• Ensure kidney patients receive basic health services they need (e.g. blood pressure and cholesterol control, essential medications) to delay disease progression without suffering financial hardship.
• Call for transparent policies governing equitable and sustainable access to advanced health care services (e.g. dialysis and transplantation) and better financial protection (e.g. subsidies) as more resources become available. Breaking down socioeconomic barriers and expanding access to comprehensive services in order to meet the needs of the population is essential to guarantee equitable kidney care and increase quality.

Resources
1. World Kidney Day
2. The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Kidney Community Kitchen
3. National Kidney Foundation
4. National Institutes of Health, Chronic kidney disease
5. WebMD, Chronic Kidney Disease

6. The Cooking Doc, Blake Shusterman, MD, doctor of nephrology with a passion for food. Shares recipes and tips to help you live a healthy, full life.

National Pancake Day - Nutrition and Recipes

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

1 stack (10 pancakes) equals approximately 1000 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 vary worldwide. There are numerous variations of them throughout Europe. A crêpe is a French variety of thin pancakes 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

Blueberry Pancakes

Serves One

Ingredients
2 Blueberry Pancakes, frozen

1/3 cup Fresh Blueberries

Healthy Pancake Recipes
1. Health, 22 Healthy Pancake Recipes
2. EatingWell, Healthy Pancake Recipes

March 9, National Crabmeat Day

Crabmeat, Onions, and Red Peppers with a Light Vinaigrette. Served on Lettuce in a Smart Pita Pocket. Garnish: Lemon Boat with Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Peppers; Snow Peas 

February, Potato Lovers Month Nutrition and Recipes

Nutrition, Recipes, and Politics

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. A baked potato is a healthy food choice and contains no fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

The potato’s reputation as being fattening is related to the method of preparation, such as greasy French fries; and the addition of butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon.

Below are some heart-healthy recipes, prepared by the Idaho Potato Commission.

Idaho® Potato Crusted Pizza Gluten Free

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
(Omit the salt and use a low sodium broth to lower the sodium content)
250 calories, 25 mg cholesterol, 660 mg sodium,
11 g protein, 14 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates (Based upon 6 - 8 servings)

Heart-Healthy Grilled Idaho® Potato Ratatouille Salad

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
Based on 8 servings
210 calories, 0 mg cholesterol, 6 g fat,
25 mg sodium, 6 g protein

Resources
Idaho Potato Commission
National Potato Council

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week - Resources and Support

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week) is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families. 

It’s time we take eating disorders seriously as public health concerns. It’s time we bust the myths and get the facts. It’s time to celebrate recovery and the heroes who make it possible. It’s time to take action and fight for change. It’s time to shatter the stigma and increase access to care. It’s Time to Talk About It!

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder and 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life.

“Eating disorders can hide in plain sight and frequently go undiagnosed until someone’s health is at significant risk. These are life-threatening bio-psycho-social illnesses, not a ‘lifestyle choice.’ It’s time to get beyond the stigma and stereotypes and recognize the diverse experiences of people affected by disordered eating," said Claire Mysko, interim CEO of NEDA. "Early intervention is a critical first step toward ending this epidemic, and everyone who is struggling deserves to be able to access help without delay to provide them the best chance possible of full recovery."

Get involved today!

Mission 
“The aim of NEDAwareness Week is to increase outreach and awareness of eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment resources. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses - not choices - and it's important to recognize the pressures, attitudes, and behaviors that shape the disorder.”

NEDAwareness Week is committed to raising awareness of eating disorders. The goal of outreach efforts leads to a greater chance of people seeking out resources and help for an eating disorder - which saves lives.

How You Can Help

NEDA provides resources to help raise awareness and provide accurate information about eating disorders. Visit the NEDAwareness Week website for numerous ways to get involved.

Tweet About It

§ Eating disorders aren’t just about food- they can also be about stress, depression & perfectionism, but there is hope and help. myneda.org

§ You are not alone. #NEDAwareness

§ Skipping meals, hating your body & obsessing about food are signs of disordered eating, call 800-931-2237 to talk about it

§ Do constant thoughts about food & exercise interfere w/ your life? It could be an eating disorder. Call 800-931-2237 to talk about it

§ 35% of dieters develop disordered eating. If you’re worried about yourself or a friend, call 800-931-2237 to get help

§ Not ready to talk about it? Chat about it with NEDA Click to Chat option. Visit Find Help @myneda.org

§ Eating Disorders don’t discriminate, they affect all ages, sexes, ethnicities, races, and every socio-economic status- You are not alone.

§ Early intervention for an eating disorder could save your life. Don’t wait to get help- find out more @myneda.org or call 800-931-2237

§ For #NEDAwareness cultivate body appreciation! What has your body done for you lately? Take a moment to say thanks

Facebook Posts

§ People don’t choose to get an eating disorder, but you can choose to get help. Recovery is possible. This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org or call 1-800-931-2237 to find help and information.

§ Not ready to talk about it? Try NEDA’s new Click to Chat feature. Visit the Find Help & Support section on www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to let someone know what you are feeling.

§ Constantly thinking about calories, exercise and weight are signs of disordered eating. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one call 1-800-931-2237 or visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

§ It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder are serious mental illnesses but recovery is possible. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information or to find an event near you!

§ Everybody Knows Somebody affected by an eating disorder- whether it’s a friend, partner, family member or you’ve suffered. If you’re worried about an eating disorder, talk to someone you care about or call 1-800-931-2237 for help and information. Visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org to learn how to help a friend.

§ Did you know over half of the people diagnosed with an eating disorder have an “eating disorder not otherwise specified” (ENDOS)? This means most people struggling don’t exactly fit into the categories of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa but may still have some symptoms of each, or maybe struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.

§ Weighing yourself frequently, feeling out of control with food, and feeling like you have to work-out to “burn” calories could be signs of an eating disorder. Millions of men and women struggle with disordered eating but help is available. Call 1-800-931-2237 or visit: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

Eating disorders cut across socioeconomic lines and affect people at all stages of life. This talk focuses on how eating disorders are diagnosed, their prevalence, and current treatments.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of an Eating Disorder

Resources and Support
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provides education, resources, and support for those individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves to prevent, cure and access quality care. NEDA sponsors events, programs and research on eating disorders, and contains a section on its site featuring recent news articles and information.

NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators

Academy for Eating Disorders (AED). The Academy for Eating Disorders aims to provide comprehensive information on the facts of eating disorders, treatment plans, and education to prevent others from developing eating disorders.

Alliance of Eating Disorders Awareness was created as a source of community outreach, education, awareness, and prevention of the various eating disorders. Their goal is to spread the message, recovery from these disorders is possible, and individuals should not have to suffer or recover alone.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Provides nutrition resources about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list.

Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. They are committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances. AOA provides obesity awareness and prevention information.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.

BodyImageHealth.org introduces a model for a healthy body image and provides a variety of resources to help children and adults develop a positive body image, effective eating habits, nutritional health, fitness, and weight.

Council on Size and Weight Discrimination, Inc. An activist group influencing public opinion and policy through education, information and networking.

Eating Disorders Anonymous (EDA). A 12 step self-help fellowship for anorexics and bulimics. EDA offers membership to any person who needs help recovering from an eating disorder. The site has meetings around the United States, publications, recovery information, EDA news and helpful links to other sites.

Eating Disorders Coalition. The goal of Eating Disorders Coalition is to "advance the federal recognition of eating disorders as a public health priority." The nonprofit organization lists the federal policy on its website, congressional briefings, events, information/resources on eating disorders and a blog.

Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of all types of disordered eating, from obesity to anorexia, and the promotion of positive body-esteem through education, outreach, and action.

Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center (EDRIC) includes links to sites that provide additional information on eating disorders and related topics.

Eating Disorders Resource Center (EDRC) is a non-profit organization that links resources, information and support for eating disorders in Silicon Valley. The mission of EDRC is to increase awareness and understanding of eating disorders for the general public and health professionals; to promote early diagnosis, effective treatment, and recovery; and to advocate for mental health legislation and effective insurance coverage. EDRC offers a comprehensive, online resource directory.

F.E.A.S.T. Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders is an international organization providing support to families and friends of those suffering from eating disorders. The site announces events and conferences, groups around the world, treatment providers, online caregivers, and current news.

Green Mountain at Fox Run - Women’s Center for Binge & Emotional Eating: Bingeing and emotional eating are much more common in our culture than you might think, and the symptoms are often unrecognized. Weight becomes the primary focus when it shouldn’t be. Now there’s a place created to help this growing problem, and the results are liberating.

International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) is well recognized for its excellence in providing education and training standards to an international multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions, who treat the full spectrum of eating disorder problems.

Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) is a nonprofit organization working to prevent and treat eating disorders. Their aim is to do this through early detection and increased public awareness. This site has events listed, resources and a place for individuals to join the organization.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) seeks to alleviate the problems of eating disorders by educating the public and healthcare professionals, encouraging research, and sharing resources on all aspects of these disorders. Their website includes information on finding support groups, referrals, treatment centers, advocacy and background on eating disorders.

National Association for Males with Eating Disorders, Inc. (N.A.M.E.D.) is dedicated to offering support to and public awareness about males with eating disorders.

National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders provides information on anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, the effect eating disorders can have on men, treatment options and helpful resources and links.

Perfect Illusions. Discover what an eating disorder is, find help and resources, and look into the lives of several individuals and their families who are struggling with the consequences of anorexia and bulimia.

The Renfrew Center. Residential treatment facility specializing in eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders) and related mental health issues. The Renfrew Center is a women's mental health center with locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania; Coconut Creek, Florida; New York City; Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, TN, Dallas, TX, and Bethesda, MD.

Womenshealth.gov The National Women's Health Information Center is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site has information on body image, cosmetic surgery, eating disorders, and a list of links to various informational websites.