Childhood Obesity Awareness The Breakfast Connection

Children are our future. As adults, parents, educators and health professionals it is our responsibility to teach children about healthy food choices, benefits of physical activities and building self-esteem. 

On September 1, 2010 President Obama declared September "National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month".

President Obama stated, "One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a Nation is to safeguard the health and well-being of our children. We now face a national childhood obesity crisis, with nearly one in every three of America's children being overweight or obese. There are concrete steps we can take right away as concerned parents, caregivers, educators, loved ones, and a Nation to ensure that our children are able to live full and active lives. During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I urge all Americans to take action to meet our national goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation."

Obesity has a profound effect on a child's life. Health problems related to childhood obesity include the following:

  Asthma

  Diabetes, type 2

  High blood pressure

  High cholesterol

  Heart failure

  Bone and joint problems in the lower body

  Growth abnormalities

  Emotional and social problems

  Poor self-esteem

  Victims of Bullying

  Breathing problems

  Rashes or fungal infections of the skin

Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to become an obese adult with health problems in adulthood, such as:

  Heart disease

  Stroke

  Certain types of cancer

  Osteoarthritis

  Gout

  Gallbladder disease

Breakfast and Child Obesity

    *Children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight.
    *Children who skip breakfast feel tired or lack energy.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have problems concentrating.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have lower grades in school.
    *Children who skip breakfast may have learning and behavioral problems.
    *Children who skip breakfast may develop nutritional deficiencies.

Children who eat breakfast are
Alert, Energized and Ready for a Brand New Day.

September 29, 2010 National Women's Health and Fitness Day

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. The next event is set for Wednesday, September 29, 2010, and in future years, will always be held on the last Wednesday in September.

This unique national program — with participation by local organizations throughout the U.S. — focuses attention on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.

Women’s Health and Fitness Day will also be part of a new National Women’s Health and Fitness Week, to be held annually the last week in September. On Wednesday, September 29, 2010, more than 1,400 groups across the country will host women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation districts, local health and service organizations, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, and other community locations. An estimated 40,000 to 100,000 women are expected to participate in these local activities.

Family Dinner Day The Rewards are Amazing. Make the Time

Family meal time is an ageless tradition shared by people all around the world. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.
 

Why Eat Together As A Family?




Family Dinner
Segment from World Report, April 2009

A recent family study conducted by Brigham Young University, quizzed more than 1500 IBM employees. The results show that families who spend time eating dinner together will encounter less conflict between family and work.

The BYU study appeared in issues of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report and Slate magazine. Dr. Jacob expressed the hope for society to value dinner time, and not allow things to interrupt it.

In fact, a multi-national study cited by the marriage and family therapy program at the University of Minnesota and its director, reports family meal time has a more positive influence on emotional and intellectual development in children and teens than sports or additional time in school.

Quick and Easy Meals to
Bring Families Together at Meal Time



Meet 6 real families taking the
LET'S FIX DINNER Challenge

Meet six families who are struggling to get to the dinner table, but are committed to seeing what having more dinners can do for them. Each family has different goals and struggles, but theyre willing to do what it takes to see just how powerful dinner together can be.

A Date With Your Family
1950s Instructional Video - Somethings have Changed

September 26, 2010 World Heart Day

2010 Theme

"Workplaces Wellness: Take responsibility for your own heart health"

World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year, 80% in the developing world.

The World Heart Federation exists to prevent and control these diseases through awareness campaigns and action, promoting the exchange of information, ideas and science among those involved in cardiovascular care, advocating for disease prevention and control by promoting healthy diets, physical activity and tobacco free living at an individual, community and policy maker level. Our work is organized in four programme areas.

     Awareness

     Advocacy

     Applied Research
     Sharing Science & Building Capacity

Visit the World Heart Foundation for more information.

    

September 25, 2010 Family Health and Fitness Day USA

Family Health and Fitness Day USA is a national health and fitness event for families always held the last Saturday in September. This year is the 14th Annual Family Health and Fitness Day USA and is set for Saturday, September 25, 2010.

The event's purpose is to promote the importance of regular physical activity for children and their parents. Families will participate in health promotion events at hundreds of locations throughout the country, including YMCAs and health clubs, park districts, schools, houses of worship and state and local health organizations. 

It's Family Time!

You can jump rope, ride bikes, and take a walk as a family. Remember to be safe by using sunscreen, bike helmets, and staying hydrated.

Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Expert Sarah Earhart, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Assistant Director of Nutrition for the Rite Bite
Website. The Rite Bite

 Blog. The Rite Bite     

Twitter. @TheRiteBite

Facebook. The Rite Bite

LinkedIn. Sarah Earhart

“The family bond is a powerful one when it comes to weight and health.
Increasing nutrition through healthy meals, planning activities for fun
and movement, and supporting one another in your efforts is a family affair.
Take action today and decide on the first change you all will make for better health.”

Sarah is the Assistant Director of Nutrition for the Rite Bite. Since 2003, Sarah Earhart has worked as a Registered Dietitian in the field of worksite wellness. Sarah has a Master of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition and a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science, both from the University of Utah. She has presented several wellness seminars on topics related to nutrition and weight management. Sarah also enjoys counseling clients in both individual and group settings for a variety of nutrition needs including diabetes education and weight management. Sarah is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Her career goal is to help others make positive behavior changes in their eating and activity in order to help them fully enjoy a healthy life.

The American Dietetic Association Announces the Theme for National Nutrition Month, March 2011.

"Eat Right with Color"

March 2011starts the American Dietetic Association annual National Nutrition Month® Campaign. The theme is "Eat Right with Color".

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 fourth annual Registered Dietitian Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Registered Dietitian Day was created to increase awareness of registered dietitians as the food and nutrition experts and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Expert Alysa Bajenaru, RD, CPT

Website/Blog. Inspired RD

Facebook. Inspired Results

Twitter. InspiredRD

“It's always a good idea to have a few quick and healthy food items around to whip up when you are short on time. Being prepared can keep you from dialing up the pizza place or heading for the nearest drive-thru ”

Alysa has been working in the health and fitness industry since 2002 as a registered dietitian and personal trainer. Motivating people to get fit and stay healthy is a passion for her. After having her son, she became interested in supporting other moms in their quest to be healthy and active. Alysa believes the key to getting in shape is to have lots of fun and support.

Alysa holds a BS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Oklahoma. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and a Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Her areas of interest include: Fitness Educator, Group Exercise, Weight Management, Family Nutrition, New Mom Fitness and Nutrition Education. She is a Writer and Blogger. Alysa is also a contributor and instructor for Baby Boot Camp Nutrition Solutions Program. 

Students' Willingness to Purchase Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program

by Jill Eckart, BA, Kathryn A. Strong, MS, RD, Darlene K. Moppert, MS, RD, Neal D. Barnard, MD

From the Florida Public Health Review, 2010; 7, 64-69.
The significance of the study in determining if offering plant-based options as part of a comprehensive school wellness policy may encourage healthful eating patterns, and can complement the benefits of nutrition education and physical activity. Whereas more research is needed to assess the long-term effects of offering plant-based options in schools, providing these items appears to be feasible and beneficial in the short term.

Abstract
Offering plant-based options in school lunches may help schools meet U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrient standards by providing students with options that are low in fat and cholesterol-free. Research indicates that well planned vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for all ages and have certain health benefits; however, it is not clear whether students are willing to incorporate vegetarian foods into their diets. We assessed students’ willingness to purchase vegan menu items in school lunches and evaluate the nutrient profiles of vegan and nonvegan menu items offered. Vegan items were offered once per week for four weeks in elementary and middle school cafeterias located in a demographically diverse school district. Researchers tracked menu items sold, nutrients of menu items offered, and ease of vegan item preparation. Vegan options accounted for more than half of the average number of meals sold at each school on study days. Vegan menu items were lower in total fat, saturated fat, and energy and provided more dietary fiber compared with the competing foods. Food service managers indicated that vegan menu items were easy to prepare. Students are willing to purchase vegan options offered in the school lunch line. Offering vegan school lunches on a regular basis may help food service directors meet nutrient standards and improve child nutrition.

To view the full study click the following link: Vegan Menu Items in the National School Lunch Program.

Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Expert Katherine Brooking, MS, MA, RD

Website and Blog. http://www.eatlikeanrd.com/

Website. Katherine Brooking, MS, MA, RD
Facebook. Appetite for Health

Twitter. @eatlikeard

LinkedIn. Katherine Brooking, MS, MA, RD

“The New American Plate is a helpful method for creating nutritious meals that promote a healthy weight, decrease cancer risk and support overall health. Each time you eat, make plant foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans) at least two-thirds of your plate, and animal protein (poultry, seafood and red meat) no more than one-third.”

Katherine Brooking, RD provides advice, tips and
recipes for parents packing kids' lunches.


 

Katherine Brooking is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education from Columbia University. She is dedicated to helping people achieve better health and richer lives through sound nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

She is a frequent nutrition contributor to national morning shows including the TODAY show, Live with Regis & Kelly, The Early Show on CBS, Good Morning America Health as well as on local affiliate stations across the country.

Katherine co-hosts The Victory Project, an original web series from the creators of Project Runway, in partnership with MSN. The Victory Project helps women across America look and feel their best through better nutrition, fitness and beauty care.

Katherine also co-hosts and co-produces a weekly nutrition and fitness segment series, Appetite for Health, on The Daily Buzz, a nationally syndicated news program.

As a writer covering health and wellness topics, Katherine has contributed to SELF Magazine, Prevention, Cooking Light and Woman’s Day and other leading news publications including The Washington Post and New York Daily News.

In 2009, Katherine co-founded Smart Cookie Productions, LLC, a media communications company providing health-related content for broadcast, web and print. Smart Cookie publishes http://www.eatlikeanrd.com/ and produces and syndicates the Appetite for Health series.

Prior to her work in media, Katherine had a private nutrition practice in Manhattan and was the Registered Dietitian for the health service at Columbia University Medical School. She received her Master’s Degree in Nutrition Science from Columbia University and her clinical nutrition training at Bellevue Hospital in New York City and Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT.

Professional Affiliations:

• American Dietetic Association:

• Dietitians in Business and Communications

• The Greater New York Dietetic Association (GNYDA)

• Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists

• Nutrition Entrepreneurs

September 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. 
 

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

America on the Move – Month of Action

California Wild Rice Month
Fruit and Veggie Month

Mold Awareness Month
National Apple Month (Sept – Nov)
Hunger Action Month

National Biscuit Month

National Chicken Month

Cholesterol Education Awareness
National Coupon Month
National Food Safety Education Month

National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Organic Harvest Month

Whole Grains Month
Sports and Home Eye Health and Safety Month
Women's Friendship Month

National Papaya Month

National Potato Month

National Preparedness Month

National Rice Month

National Yoga Awareness Month

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month

Baby Safety Awareness Month

Backpack Safety America Month

Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

College Savings Month

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

International Update Your Resume Month

Library Card Signup Month

Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

Million Minute Family Challenge

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

National Head Lice Prevention Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15- Oct 15)

National Menopause Awareness Month
National Osteopathic Medicine Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

National Sickle Cell Month

 Reunion Planning Month