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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends closely refereeing food safety violations so every party-goer returns home a winner.
Illegal Use of Hands. Unclean hands are one of the biggest offenders for spreading bacteria, and finger foods are especially susceptible. Chefs and guests should wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Be sure to clean surfaces often and wash platters before refilling them with fresh food.
Offside. Prevent violations at all costs and keep uncooked and ready-to-eat foods in their own zone. The juices from raw meat may cross-contaminate other food if they contain harmful bacteria. Use one cutting board for raw meat and poultry and another for vegetables. If you use only one cutting board, wash it with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
Time Out. Call a "time out" and use a food thermometer to be sure foods are cooked safely. Steaks should be cooked to 145 °F, ground beef to 160 °F, and all poultry to 165 °F.
Holding refers to never holding hot or cold foods for more than two hours at room temperature or between 40 °F and 140 °F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly to block offensive bacteria from multiplying. When in doubt, throw it out; do not eat it.
Instant Replay
There is no opportunity for an instant replay. To avoid these violations, make sure you understand the rules completely. Great resources are available before kickoff at the USDA's
Thousands of sports educators, coaches, athletic directors, recreation directors, association members, sponsors, students, and parents across the country will show their support. The mission of the National Association of Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) is to develop and deliver equitable and quality sports opportunities for all girls and women. National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) History NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities honoring the achievements of girls and women in sports and encouraging their participation.
NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women's sports. NGWSD has evolved into a day to acknowledge the past and recognize current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation, and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
Significant Events in the Law NAGWS has served girls and women in sports for more than a century. A variety of programs have been initiated to prepare teachers and coaches to work with female students and to challenge individuals and institutions to look at how they do business each day. In January 2013, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Dear Colleague Letter clarifying the school’s obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act) to provide extracurricular athletic opportunities for students with disabilities. The OCR’s announcement underscores our belief that every student, regardless of sex, means, race, religion… and ability, should be able to reap the benefits of sports.
Specifically, the Dear Colleague Letter does the following for schools: 1. Clarifies when and how schools must include students with disabilities in mainstream athletic programs 2. Defines what true equal treatment of student-athletes with disabilities means 3. Encourages and provides a road map for schools to create adapted programs for students with disabilities Title IX/gender equity issues have been a long-time focus of NAGWS programs through programs like the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).
The Importance of Nutrition in Sports Resources
Lisa Dorfman, RDN, was featured on NBC to discuss key ingredients to a successful sports nutrition eating plan.
Nutella is a brand of sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread
manufactured by the Italian company Ferrero first introduced in 1964. Nutella
is a form of a chocolate spread. Therefore, the production process for this
food item is very similar to a generic production of chocolate spread.
The label states that Nutella does not need to be refrigerated. This is because of the large quantity of sugar in the product acts as a preservative to prevent
the growth of microorganisms. More specifically, the sugar acts as a
preservative by binding the water in the product, which prevents the
microorganisms from growing. In fact, refrigeration causes Nutella to harden
because it contains fats from the hazelnuts. Nutella is made from sugar,
modified palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skimmed milk powder, whey powder,
lecithin, and vanillin.
Nutella Profile
In the United States, Ferrero was sued in a class action for false advertising
leading to consumer inferences that Nutella has nutritional and health benefits
(from advertising claims that Nutella was "part of a nutritious
breakfast"). In April 2012, Ferrero agreed to pay a $3 million settlement
(up to $4 per jar for up to five jars in returns by customers). The settlement
also required Ferrero to make changes to Nutella's labeling and marketing,
including television commercials and their website
WHAT IS WORLD CANCER DAY? World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and is the singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), through which the aim is to help save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. World Cancer Day is a chance to improve general knowledge around cancer and dismissing misconceptions about the disease. From a global level, the message focuses on the following four myths.
Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue. Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications. Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries. Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic It affects all ages and socioeconomic groups, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden. Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence. Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people, their cancer can now be treated effectively. Myth 4: Cancer is my fate. Truth: With the right strategies, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented.
World Cancer Day
A global event taking place every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer. Taking place under the tagline ‘We Can. I Can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer. Read more about World Cancer Day and how to get involved on www.worldcancerday.org.
A truly global event, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.
Taking place under the tagline ‘We Can. I Can.’, World Cancer Day 2016-2018 will explore how everyone – as a collective or as individuals – can do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer.
Did you know that each year, over 12.7 million people receive a cancer diagnosis and 8.2 million people die from the disease? If no action is taken, the worldwide cancer burden is expected to reach 26 million new diagnoses and 17 million deaths by the year 2030, with the most rapid increases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
It’s not all bad news as 30-40% of cancers can be prevented, and one-third of cancers can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment. UICC aims to help people understand how to take steps to prevent cancer and live a healthier and longer life.
A Healthy Diet and Physical Activity
A healthy diet and regular adequate physical activity are of major importance to preventing cancer and maintaining good health throughout life.
*Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. *Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day. *Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods. (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fiber, or high in fat). *Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. *Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats. *If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day. *Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium). *Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer. Quit Tobacco Tobacco kills more than 5 million people a year, an average of one person every six seconds. You can prevent cancer when you stop smoking, chewing, and sniffing tobacco. Try to avoid exposure to passive smoke to further reduce your risk. Sun Exposure Excessive exposure to UV radiation (either from the sun or from artificial sources such as sun beds) is associated with accelerated skin aging and different types of skin cancer. Stop using sun beds and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remember to use sunscreens and protective clothing as an effective cancer prevention method.
For additional preventative measures, visit World Cancer Day – Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Resources. 1. Wikipedia. Soups - History, Types, and Varieties 2. Food Network. Healthy Soup Recipes 4. EatingWell. Healthy Winter Soup Recipes Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 years of experience. A valuable service for Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300
Tabouli, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese on Mini
Croissant #NationalCroissantDay
Croissant Sandwich with Tabouli, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese
Serves One Ingredients 1 Croissant (1 ounce) 1 Tbsp Tabouli Salad 2 slices Tomatoes 1/2 oz Feta Cheese
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
In a world brimming with diverse cultures and traditions, nothing quite encapsulates the essence of a place like its local cuisine. Among the many culinary delights, soups stand out as a universal comfort food, transcending borders and bringing the taste of culture to our tables. Each spoonful of these simmering concoctions tells a story – a tale of heritage, geography, and the unique blend of ingredients that define a region's palate.
Join us on a gastronomic adventure, where each sip is a discovery, and every bowl is a celebration of the world's vast and vibrant culinary heritage. Embark on a journey, one spoonful at a time, to discover the stories and secrets simmering within these global soups.
Gazpacho (Spain) is a refreshing, cold soup made from raw, blended vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, often enjoyed in
the summer.
Harira (Morocco) is a rich and hearty soup traditionally eaten during Ramadan. It is made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb and flavored with
a blend of fragrant spices.
Laksa (Malaysia and Singapore): A spicy noodle soup with a
distinctive coconut milk base, it comes in various forms, including curry laksa
and asam laksa, often served with chicken, prawn, or fish.
Minestrone (Italy): A thick Italian vegetable soup often
containing beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes, sometimes with
pasta or rice.
Tom Yum (Thailand): A hot and sour soup known for its
intense flavors, it typically includes shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), mushrooms,
tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
Tortilla Soup (Mexico): A hearty, flavorful soup made with chicken broth, roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chilies and topped with crispy fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
Caldo Verde (Portugal): A simple, comforting soup made with
thinly sliced kale, potatoes, and chorizo sausage, often served during
celebrations.
Phở (Vietnam): A Vietnamese soup known for its fragrant
broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà ).
French Onion Soup (France): A rich and savory soup based on caramelized onions and beef stock, and typically served with a crouton and melted cheese on top.
Chupe de Mariscos (Peru): A creamy seafood soup from Peru,
loaded with various seafood like shrimp, crab, and fish, often enriched with
potatoes, corn, and a base of aji peppers and cilantro.
New England Clam Chowder (USA): A creamy, hearty soup from
the New England region, known for its chunks of clams, diced potatoes, onions,
and sometimes bacon in a milk or cream base.
Borscht (Russia/Ukraine): A sour soup common in Eastern
European countries, famous for its distinctive red color from beetroots,
usually served with sour cream, and can contain a variety of vegetables and
meat.
Ramen (Japan) is a popular Japanese soup consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth flavored with soy sauce or miso and topped with ingredients like sliced pork, nori, and
scallions.
These soups not only offer a taste of their respective
cultures but also embody the diversity and richness of global culinary
traditions.
Nutrition Notes
Soup is a combination of foods with endless possibilities. It represents comfort, warmth, tradition, and nourishment. Soups can be an economical way of meeting nutritional needs. Leftovers are perfect when preparing soups.
Soups have been known to curb the appetite and slow the eating process. Studies show slower eaters are more likely to notice signs of fullness sooner and consume fewer calories. With the extra time, enjoy the flavor, aroma, and texture of the foods.
Soups can be prepared with various healthy ingredients and traditional favorites made healthier with some substitutions.
Foods you can substitute to make heart-healthy choices.
Instead of:
Try these heart-healthy suggestions:
whole milk or 2% milk
1% milk or skim milk
whipped cream
chilled evaporated skim milk, whipped
cheese (American, Cheddar, Swiss)
Cheeses with 5 or less grams of fat per ounce. Terms used: reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free. Reduced fat is easier to substitute when cooking.
creamed cottage cheese
nonfat or 1% fat cottage cheese, or farmers' cheese
cream cheese
light, fat-free products, or Neufchatel cheese
Mozzarella cheese
part-skim mozzarella cheese
Ricotta cheese
nonfat, lite, or part-skim
sour cream, regular
non-fat, light, or low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt.
butter
lower-calorie margarine in soft tubes, vegetable cooking sprays, or nonstick cookware.
margarine, regular
lower-calorie margarine in soft tubes, vegetable cooking sprays, or nonstick cookware.
mayonnaise, regular
reduced-fat, cholesterol-free, low-fat, or fat-free. If making a dip, you can substitute plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt. Reduce the amount required in the recipe.
salad dressing
reduced-fat, cholesterol-free, low-fat, or fat-free dressings or lemon juice, vinegar, or mustard. Reduce the amount required in the recipe.
one whole egg
equals 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute
egg noodles
noodles made without egg yolk
condensed cream soup
99% fat-free condensed cream soup
salt
eliminate or reduce by 1/2; explore herbs and spices
gravy
gravies made with low sodium broth and thickened with flour/cornstarch
beef, pork, veal, lamb
choose lean cuts trimmed of all visible fat, or substitute with chicken or turkey without the skin.
Healthy Soup Additions 1. Instead of salt, add herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Explore the many possible seasonings available. 2. Add fresh, frozen, or leftover vegetables (use fruits if making a cold soup) to increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid canned vegetables high in sodium. Read the label. A low-sodium food contains 140 mg or less per serving of sodium. 3. Increase fiber and protein by eating foods such as beans, lentils, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, barley, and bulgur. 4. Increase calcium and protein by using skim milk, evaporated skim milk, non-fat dry milk powder, or calcium-fortified soymilk. These low-fat ingredients can replace higher-fat alternatives like whole milk or cream. Canned and Dry Soup Mixes are known for their high sodium content. Read the label and check the serving size. Remember, a low-sodium food contains 140 mg or less per serving. Some companies within the food industry are making great strides in lowering the sodium content in their products. At Campbell, they have more than 100 products with a healthy level of sodium, more than 200 that are low in fat and saturated fat, more than 150 products that have 100 calories or less per serving, and more than 85 products certified by the American Heart Association. I was searching the Campbell archives when I came across a 1959 commercial. Campbell had the foresight to recognize the importance of nutrition over 50 years ago.
Campbell's Soup, 1959
Soup Tidbits Soup is a staple in almost every American home. After NBC's "Seinfeld" show introduced the "Soup Nazi" in the United States on November 2, 1995 - Soup became a fashionable food.
Serves One Ingredients 2 Blueberry Pancakes frozen 1/3 cup Fresh Blueberries
Portion Control
Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
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