July 10, Teddy Bear Picnic Day Even Teddy Bears Practice Food Safety

Before setting out your picnic feast, ensure your hands and surfaces are clean. 

Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Cold food should be stored at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Meat, poultry, and seafood should be packed while frozen to stay colder longer.

Pack beverages in one cooler and perishable foods in another. This will prevent perishable foods from being exposed to warm outdoor temperatures. 

Limit the times the cooler is opened to keep the contents cold longer.

Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood securely wrapped. This keeps their juices from contaminating prepared and cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables. 

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under tap water before packing them in the cooler.  

For more food safety tips, visit 

http://www.fightbac.org

http://homefoodsafety.org  

June is National Dairy Month

Every Age Needs the Nutrients Found in Dairy

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 daily low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products.

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

Calcium provides 30% of the Daily Value. It helps build and maintain bones and teeth, and 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 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.

Easy to Prepare Snacks

National Dairy Council

The National Dairy Council provides user-friendly nutrition education materials. It advocates healthy living and is committed to our communities and health care needs. 

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 the industry for new dairy product innovations.

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.

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.

Lactose Intolerance.
National Dairy Council, Lactose Intolerance 

 Celebrating America's Dairy Industry

Messages from the Dairy Councils and Associations

American Dairy Farmers, 1990’s

Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council

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.

Additional Resources

International Dairy Foods Association

Kitchen Klutzes of America Day National Safety Month Create a Safe Kitchen

Kitchen Safety for Kids: Fun & Secure Cooking Tips

Kitchen safety involves avoiding and looking for potential hazards. Focus your attention on four main areas.

• Fire and Electrical Hazards
• Food Preparation
• Food Safety and Cleanliness
• Create a Child-Friendly Kitchen

Fire and Electrical Hazards

 1. Use a 3-prong grounded connection on all appliances.
 2. Do not use extension cords.
 3. Discard any broken or damaged appliances.
 4. Turn off burners immediately when not in use.
 5. Keep dish towels, pot holders, and paper towels away from the stove or other hot areas where they can catch fire.
 6. Do not leave candles burning unattended. Place in flameproof containers.
 7. Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, but away from the stove or other hot areas.
 8. Keep lighters and matches away from the reach of children.

Kitchen Safety - Fire Hazards

Food Preparation

 1. Turn the handles of cooking pots and pans away from the front of the stove.
 2. Be careful when removing the lid from hot foods. The heat can burn you.

 3. Never leave cooking foods unattended!!
 4. Close cabinet doors and draws when not in use.

 5. Make sure appliances with sharp areas are unplugged before touching them.
 6. Use proper lifting techniques when carrying heavy items.

 7. Knives - Always cut away from the body when using a knife. Cut using a proper cutting surface. Keep knives clean. Do not leave knives soaking in water. When cleaning the blade, keep the sharp edge away from hands.

Kitchen Safety: Knife Safety

Food Safety and Cleanliness

There are ways to avoid food poisoning and accidents by proper handling of foods and keeping yourself and your work area clean.

 1. Clean up spills immediately.
 2. Always wash your hands before working in the kitchen. Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling food.
 3. Wash kitchen surfaces often, and wash platters before refilling them with fresh food. 

 4. Keep uncooked and ready-to-eat foods separate. Juices from raw meat may cross-contaminate other food if they contain harmful bacteria. 

 5. Use one cutting board for raw meat and poultry and another one for vegetables. If you use only one cutting board, wash it with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
 6. Use a food thermometer to be sure foods are cooked safely. Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef cooked to 160 °F, and all poultry cooked to 165 °F.
 7. Never hold hot or cold foods for more than two hours at room temperature, or between 40 °F and 140 °F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly.
 8. When in doubt, throw it out; do not eat it.

Food Safety

June is National Safety Month

Cooking and spending time in the kitchen is fun for kids, and also provides parents with an opportunity to teach children. Here are tips to create a kid-friendly kitchen:

Whole Grain Sampling Day

Grains of Goodness. Exploring Whole Grains

Whole Grain Sampling Day The Whole Grains Council is holding a Whole Grain Sampling Day to encourage people to try new foods made with whole grains. Stop by the Whole Grains Council to learn more and meet some of the participating companies. 

Identifying Whole Grains
Whole Grain Stamps

There are three different varieties of the Whole Grain Stamp: the 100% Stamp, the 50%+ Stamp, and the Basic Stamp.

• If a product bears the 100% Stamp (left image above), then all its grain ingredients are whole grain. There is a minimum requirement of 16g (16 grams) – a full serving – of whole grain per labeled serving, for products using the 100% Stamp.
• If a product bears the 50%+ Stamp (middle image), then at least half of its grain ingredients are whole grain. There is a minimum requirement of 8g (8 grams) – a half serving – of whole grain per labeled serving, for products using the 50%+ Stamp. The 50%+ Stamp was added to the Whole Grain Stamps in January of 2017 and will begin appearing on products in the spring and summer of 2017.
• If a product bears the Basic Stamp (right image), it contains at least 8g (8 grams) – a half serving – of whole grain, but may also contain some refined grain.

Examples of Whole Grains

Read the label and look for the following

whole grains as the first ingredient:

Amaranth 

Barley 

Brown Rice 

Buckwheat

Bulgur (Cracked Wheat)

Corn (Polenta, Tortillas, Whole Grain Corn/Corn Meal) 

Farro 

Kamut® 

Millet 

Oats, Whole Oats, Oatmeal 

Quinoa 

Rye, Whole Rye 

Sorghum 

Spelt 

Teff 

Triticale Wild Rice

Whole Wheat Flour

Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Explore Eat Right with Colors - Taste the Rainbow

"Eat Right with Colors"  explores the health benefits associated with eating foods of many colors. "Eating a rainbow" includes color diversity in your meals and food choices, so as to enhance your intake of a wide range of nutrients. 

Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Flatbread Pizza
@gimmesomeoven 
Nutrition Profile by @DietitianOnline

Red and Pink Foods

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, Tomatoes, Watermelons

Green Foods

Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green Cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini

Blue and Purple Foods

Blue Grapes, Blue and Purple Potatoes, Blueberries, Dried Plums, Plums, Eggplant, Pomegranates, Elderberries, Juniper Berries, Kelp (Seaweed), Purple Belgian Endive, Purple Cabbage, Purple Figs

Yellow and Orange Foods

Apricots, Bananas, Butternut Squash, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cheddar Cheese, Citrus Fruits, Clementines, Corn, Creamsicle, Garbanzo Beans, Golden Apples, Golden Flax Seed, Golden Raisins, Grapefruit, Honey, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin Oranges, Mangoes, Nectarines, Orange Jello, Orange Peppers, Orange Tomatoes, Oranges, Papaya, Parsnips, Peaches, Pears, Persimmons, Pineapple, Pumpkin, Rutabagas, Saffron, Salmon, Spaghetti Squash, Squash Blossoms, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tangerines, Whole Grains, Yams, Yellow Apples, Yellow Beans, Yellow Peppers, Yellow Summer Squash, Yellow Wax Beans

White and Black Foods

White: Cauliflower, Coconut, Garlic, Ginger, Green Onions, Scallions, Horseradish, Jicama, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Millet, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Quinoa, Shallots, Soy Products, Sunflower Seeds, Tofu, Turnips, White Beans, White Corn, White Sesame Seeds

Black: Black Beans, Black Cherries, Black Currants, Black Mushrooms, Black Olives, Black Quinoa, Black Raspberry, Black Rice, Black Sesame Seeds, Black Soybeans, Blackberries, Boysenberries, Prunes, Raisins, Seaweeds, Tamari (Soy Sauce)

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). My staff started the project in September 2010. Over the next five months, we would take over 600 photographs of colorful foods in order to create the March presentation for NNM. Many of the photographs are available for purchase with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
Jake Frank

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Healthy Green Foods

 Shades of Green, a Symphony of Flavors. 

Celebrating Green Foods

Ways to increase Green Food Intake:
•Add spinach or broccoli when cooking pasta, rice, or soup.
•Freeze green grapes for a sweet snack.
•Add thin slices of green apples or zucchini to a sandwich.

Recipe

Spinach Pesto Pasta
by Alida Fischbach @alidaskitchen  

About Green Fruits and Vegetables.
Green in plants signifies the presence of the plant pigment chlorophyll. The nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels, improve vision, enhance the immune system, and fight harmful free radicals.

Green fruits and vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (vitamin A). They contain phytochemicals such as luteins and indoles, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are high in fiber and support a healthy digestive system.

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 in fruit and vegetable intake by 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.

Kermit Sings Being Green

Celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Registered Nutrition & Dietetic Techician

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Registered Nutrition and Registered Nutrition & Dietetic Technician Day were created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to increase the awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as indispensable food and nutrition services providers. 

Acknowledge the Contributions and Celebrate the Dedication of the RDN & NDTR, who help people and communities achieve a healthy lifestyle through food and nutrition. 

Congratulations, RDNs! 

History

Go Red for Women Life's Simple 7

The Nutrition and Dietetic Professionals want you to
Tell 5 and Save Lives.

Keep your "Heart- Healthy." 

A message from the American Heart Association.

Go Red For Women

 In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the American Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

Go Red For Women encourages awareness of the issue of women and heart disease and action to save more lives. The movement utilizes women's energy, commitment, and power to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them the tools they need to lead a heart-healthy life.

In 2010, the American Heart Association set a strategic goal of reducing death and disability from cardiovascular disease and strokes by 20% while improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by 2020.

Go Red For Women targets women because only 55 percent of women realize heart disease is their No. 1 killer, and less than half know what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.
 

Tell 5 and Save Lives

Tell five family members and friends how they can get heart-healthy. Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women like you - mothers, sisters, friends - are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don't know what you know: heart disease kills.

Just think: You could save lives by bringing your network to our network. And if your five tell five, your mission can eventually impact hundreds and thousands of women.

Life's Simple Seven

Get Active

Finding time in our busy lives for exercise is challenging for all Americans. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices it takes to create time. The facts are clear: By exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength and ability to function well. Physical activity = living a longer, healthier life.

Regular Physical Activity helps: Lower blood pressure, increase HDL “good” cholesterol in your blood, control blood sugar by improving how your body uses insulin, reduce stress, control body weight, and make you feel good about yourself.



Control Cholesterol 

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance in the bloodstream and all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. Cholesterol is important to a healthy body because it produces cell membranes and some hormones and serves other needed bodily functions. But too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease (which leads to heart attack) and stroke.

Cholesterol comes from two sources: your body and food. Your liver and other cells make up about 75% of your blood cholesterol. The other 25% comes from the foods you eat.

LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it circulates in the blood and can clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, but many people inherit genes that cause them to make too much. Eating saturated fat, trans fats, and dietary cholesterol also increases how much you have.

American Heart Association Recommendations:  Total blood cholesterol is the most common measurement of blood cholesterol. It's the number you receive as test results. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher puts you in a high-risk category and is cause to take action.


Eat Better

A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not get the nutrients needed to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often. The American Heart Association recommends eating a wide variety of nutritious foods daily from each basic food group.

Recommended Food Choice Guidelines: Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber; and lower in calories. Eating various fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight and blood pressure. Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full. Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products. Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. Aim to eat less than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day.

Heart Healthy Red Foods

 
Manage Blood Pressure

Hypertension (also known as High Blood Pressure) is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don’t even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:
* Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured,
* Reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages,
* Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

American Heart Association Guidelines: High blood pressure is manageable. These changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications: eating a heart-healthy diet, which may include reducing salt; enjoying regular physical activity; maintaining a healthy weight; managing stress; limiting alcohol; avoiding tobacco smoke.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Among Americans age 20 and older, 145 million are overweight or obese (BMI of 25.0 kg/m2 and higher). That’s 76.9 million men and 68.1 million women. Obesity is now recognized as a major, independent risk factor for heart disease. If you have too much fat — especially if a lot of it is at your waist - you are at higher risk for such health problems as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

If you're overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk for heart disease by successfully losing weight and keeping it off. When coming up with a fitness and nutrition plan to lose weight, it’s crucial to understand your recommended calorie intake. And then the amount of food calories you’re consuming verses the energy calories you’re burning off with different levels of physical activity. It’s balancing healthy eating (caloric energy) with the (molecular) energy that leaves your body through a healthy level of exercise.

Manage Blood Sugar

The American Heart Association considers diabetes one of the six major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or a stroke than adults without diabetes. Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control, it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most people with diabetes die of heart or blood vessel disease.

Pre-diabetes and subsequent type 2 diabetes usually result from insulin resistance. When insulin resistance or diabetes occurs with other CVD risk factors (such as obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and high triglycerides), the risk of heart disease and stroke rises even more. Controlling glucose can slow the progression of long-term complications. Often, many small changes add up to surprising improvements in diabetes control, including less need for medication.

American Heart Association Guidelines:  When diabetes is detected, a doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits, weight control, exercise programs, and medication to keep it in check. It's critical for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and control any other risk factors. For example, blood pressure for people with diabetes should be lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, including atherosclerosis - the buildup of fatty substances in the arteries - which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Smoking by itself increases the risk of coronary heart disease. When it acts with the other factors, it greatly increases your risk from those factors, too. Smoking decreases your tolerance for physical activity and increases blood clot tendencies. It decreases HDL (good) cholesterol. Your risks increase greatly if you smoke and have a family history of heart disease. Smoking also creates a higher risk for peripheral artery disease and aortic aneurysms. It also increases the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease after bypass surgery.