Wednesday, September 28, 2011

September 28, 2011
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 event is always 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.

The goal of this event is to encourage women to take control of their health: to learn the facts they need to make smart health choices, and to make time for regular physical activity.

Life's Simple Seven

Because of its grassroots nature, the event provides an excellent opportunity for local organizations to showcase the health-related programs and services they offer to women in their communities.

There are some women who are so busy caring for their families and others, they neglect to care for themselves. On this day remind the women in your life to take steps to improve their health and prevent disease.

It is important for women to get regular checkups because: screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. Some women need certain screening tests earlier, or more often, than others. Screenings and routine care can help women lower their risks of many health conditions, including heart disease. 

National Women's Health and Fitness Day is a public/private good health partnership organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), a national clearinghouse for consumer health information professionals.
locations. An estimated 100,000 women of all ages will participate in the 10th annual National Women's Health and Fitness Day at hundreds of community locations across the country.

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







Tuesday, September 27, 2011

American Dietetic Association Releases Findings of
Nutrition and You: Trends 2011 Survey

ADA Press Release September 27, 2011
The American Dietetic Association today released the findings of its nationwide consumer opinion survey, Nutrition and You: Trends 2011. ADA's survey presents a vivid look at consumers' current knowledge and attitudes, and offers an opportunity to view two decades of trends in the ways Americans regard food, nutrition and health.

Press releases (pdfs) highlighting different aspects of the survey results can be accessed below:

More information on Nutrition and You: Trends 2011 can be found on ADA's website.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

ADA Announces Name Change to
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Saturday, September 24, 2011

At the opening session of ADA’s 2011 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, ADA President, Sylvia A. Escott-Stump, MA, RD, LDN announced as of January 2012, ADA is changing it's name to the "Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics."

The change will not effect the website and the "eat right" logo.


 

Dietitians and Nutrition Resources on Twitter

There is so much information available on the Internet that it has becomes difficult to determine what is reliable or unreliable. I created the Dietetic, Nutrition, Food and Health Twitter lists as a resource for consumers, health care professionals, journalists and educators.

The list continues to grow and includes dietitians throughout the world, dietetic associations and practice groups, government agencies and government funded programs, health and medical associations, CEU providers, nutrition education resources, dietetic internships and student dietetic associations, consumer advocacy groups, trade associations, and food corporations.

This week (September 24 - 27) the American Dietetic Association is holding their annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in San Diego, California. You can follow the events by logging into Twitter and searching for the hash tag #FNCE.


Dietitians and Nutrition Resources on Twitter
Due to the number of resources, the entire Twitter list can be viewed at
http://dietitians-online.com/ under "Dietitians on Twitter."


The links do not constitute an endorsement and in some situations are intended to increase awareness of the food industry, government regulations, and current research in health care.

Dietitians-Online.com reviews every possible online resource to confirm registration and/or accreditation status. Each Internet page is reviewed in order to determine number of up-dates,
ease of viewing, contact information, broken links, questionable practices, and reliable information and resources. Dietitians-Online.com is not responsible for the materials presented on these links.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

September 21st
International Day of Peace


International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:

"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."


 

Secretary-General's Message for
International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace, observed each year on
21 September, is a global call for ceasefire and non-violence.
This year - on its 30th anniversary - the Day's theme is
"Peace and Democracy: make your voice heard".


Follow the activities on the Global Boadcast for the
International Day of Peace
Watch live streaming video from peacedaytv at livestream.com


We are the Children of Peace
 

Monday, September 5, 2011

Dietitians- Improving the Quality of Life

This is a response to a news story aired on September 1st by Channel 10, WPLG Miami

WPLG.  “Most people have to head to a spa or a fitness center to get the personal services of a dietitian…, but not those who work for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Local 10 has learned command staff, secretaries and firefighters enjoy this perk at a cost of almost $100,000 in tax money” ($50,000 for dietetic services).

When did providing health care become a luxury? Firefighters put their lives on the line everyday to protect us. Due to the nature of their job, heart attacks are the number one cause of deaths among firefighters. To reduce the effects of this, firefighters are encouraged to have regular medical screenings, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet.
 

Heart attacks are the number one cause of deaths among firefighters

WPLG ... a dietitian is a “pricey perk for the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Most people have to head to a spa or a fitness center to get the personal services of a dietitian."

WPLG is obviously not aware most people will find a registered dietitian (RD) working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, the military, public schools, universities, disaster relief programs, the World Health Organization, and  government agencies, such as the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, WIC, USDA Food and Nutrition Services, the National Institute of Health, and Public Health Services.
As a registered dietitian (RD), I’ve never thought of my profession as a “Perk.” A RD is trained to assist individuals improve the quality of life and in saving lives, as illustrated by the examples below.

1. When an eight-year old child learns they have diabetes, a RD provides help in planning meals specific for that child.
2. When a premature infant is fighting for life, a RD calculates the nutritional needs and formula.
3. When a patient with cancer has lost their appetite or an elderly person can no longer chew or swallow, a RD will assist in maintaining weight and nutritional health by planning meals tolerated or recommending alternate methods of feeding.
4. When an active person suffers a heart attack or loses kidney function, a RD will develop a meal plan to help in recovery.
5. When a mother cannot feed her children, a RD will help find assistance in obtaining food.
6. When a firefighter, police officer or other occupation requires one to be in top physical health, a RD will educate, counsel, plan meals, develop recipes, encourage, and problem solve.
7. When a food or nutrition story is released with false or misleading information, a RD will provide accurate information based on research and science. 



Taxpayers

WPLG.  Local 10 has learned command staff, secretaries and firefighters enjoy this perk at a cost of almost $100,000 in tax money” ($50,000 for dietetic services).

The cost to the taxpayer comes out to about $1.80 per month per person for dietetic services, without considering any benefits the consumer receives, such as saving people or property from fires or other emergencies and volunteering to raise money for children’s cancer care and muscular dystrophy.

The Miami Dade Fire and Rescue employees paid $75 each of their own monies to participate in the "Get Fit" challenge. All entry fees benefited the Children's Cancer Caring Center, a free cancer treatment facility. The challenge raised close to $20,000 for the Center. On September 4th  firefighters around the country were out in the community on their own personal time raising money for the MDA Telethon.
What if the dietitian loses her job based on this frivolous story. The firefighters will be without the services of a RD and the taxpayers will be paying for a person’s unemployment and other necessities. Who benefitted? Not the taxpayers, not the firefighters and not the dietitian.

How much does one have to contribute to their communities, in order for us to say thank you?
The reporter, Jeff Weinsier of WPLG failed to provide the “whole story”, leaving some taxpayers angry about the costs.  Weinsier asked to see personal records covered by HIPAA, which protects the privacy of individually identifiable health information. Weinsier should know this is a violation of the law, yet presented in his story “they denied us access.”

Health care should not be considered a "Perk" or luxury.

To learn more about the role of a registered dietitian, visit the American Dietetic Association.


Saturday, September 3, 2011

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

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

The American Dietetic Association created National Nutrition Month® as a nutrition education and information campaign to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.



The fifth annual Registered Dietitian Day
will be celebrated
on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
Registered Dietitian Day increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.
 
 

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

September 2011 Wellness News


Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily and includes weekly and daily events. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.


 
 


September 2011
Events, Celebrations and Resources
Weekly and Daily Events can be found in the Wellness Newsletter.

Hunger Action Month



National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month



National Food Safety Education

 

Fruit and Veggies - More Matters



America on the Move



Better Breakfast Month
Go Wild for California Wild Rice
National Biscuit Month
National Chicken Month
National Ethnic Foods Month

National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Organic Harvest Month
National Papaya Month
National Potato Month
National Prime Beef Month
National Rice Month
Whole Grains Month


National Coupon Month



National Yoga Month


Healthy Aging Month





9/24-9/27 ADA FNCE (San Diego, California)



National Cholesterol Education
Hug a Texas Chef Month
Mold Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
Childhood Injury Prevention Month
National Menopause Awareness
Childhood Cancer Awareness
Gynecology Cancer Awareness
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness
Newborn Screening Awareness
World Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
National Preparedness Month
College Savings Month
Library Card Sign up Month
International Update Your Resume
International Women's Friendship

















Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Home Food Safety
When the Power Goes Out



Be Prepared

Stock up on non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration, and choose single-serve sizes if available to avoid the need for refrigeration of unused portions. Consider these easy, healthy, shelf-stable foods: 







The American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of foodborne illness and providing solutions for easily and safely handling food in their own kitchens. More information can be found at http://www.homefoodsafety.org/


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Is Your Desk Making You Sick?

For Release August 23, 2011 
CHICAGO – A whopping 83 percent of Americans typically eat in their office or cubicle in an effort to save time and money, but not practicing proper food safety could end up costing them both. When it comes to protecting themselves against foodborne illnesses, many professionals are still “out to lunch.”

According to a new survey by the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program, a majority of Americans continue to eat lunch (62 percent) and snack throughout the day (50 percent) at their desks, while 27 percent typically find breakfast the first thing on their desktop to-do list. Late nights at the office even leave a small percentage (4 percent) dining at their desktop for dinner.

“For many people, multitasking through lunch is part of the average workday,” says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Toby Smithson. “While shorter lunch hours may result in getting more accomplished, they could also be causing workers to log additional sick days, as desktops hide bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness.”

Top of the Workplace To-Do List –
Washing Hands and Surfaces


Only half of all Americans say they always wash their hands before eating lunch. In order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, Smithson recommends washing your hands before and after handling food with soap and warm water, and keeping your desk stocked with moist towelettes or hand sanitizer for those times you can’t get to the sink. “A clean desktop and hands are your best defense to avoid foodborne illnesses at the office,” she says.


According to the Home Food Safety survey, only 36 percent of respondents clean their work areas—desktop, keyboard, mouse—weekly and 64 percent do so only once a month or less. A study updated in 2007 by the University of Arizona found the average desktop has 100 times more bacteria than a kitchen table and 400 times more than the average toilet seat. “Treat your desktop like you would your kitchen table and counters at home,” says Smithson. “Clean all surfaces, whether at home or work, before you prepare or eat food on them.”





Forget the Water Cooler,
Gather Around the Refrigerator
Even though virtually all work places now have a refrigerator, only 67 percent of those surveyed say it is where they store their lunch. Frighteningly though, approximately one in five people admit they don’t know if it is ever cleaned or say it is rarely or never cleaned. Smithson recommends not only cleaning the office refrigerator, but also using a refrigerator thermometer to ensure food is safely stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to safe refrigeration of lunches, perishable foods need to be refrigerated within two hours (one hour if the temperature is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit) from when it was removed from the refrigerator at home. However, survey results show that 49 percent admit to letting perishable food sit out for three or more hours, meaning foods may have begun to spoil before the first bite.

Microwave Continuing Education
Besides a refrigerator, nearly all office kitchens also have a microwave oven (97 percent), making leftovers and frozen meals easy, quick and inexpensive lunch options. It is crucial to follow the microwave cooking instructions on the package closely when cooking prepared food in the microwave.

Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave cold spots, where harmful bacteria can survive. The recommended way to ensure that food is cooked to the correct temperature, thereby eliminating any harmful bacteria that may be present, is to use a food thermometer. Re-heat all leftovers to the proper temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Food safety is very important, whether at home or at work. Simple things like washing your hands before preparing food and following microwave cooking instructions can really go a long way,” said Joan Menke-Schaenzer, chief global quality officer, ConAgra Foods.

For the Executive Summary of the 2011 Desktop Dining Survey results—who snacks throughout the work day, desktop cleaning habits of men and women, and much more—or to speak with ADA food and nutrition experts about food safety, please contact Ryan O’Malley, media relations manager at the American Dietetic Association, at 800/877-1600, ext. 4769, or email media@eatright.org.

*HealthFocus International conducted the home food safety survey in April 2011 for the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods through an online survey of a random sample of 2,191 full-time employees, both men and women, who work at a desk. The sample was chosen to closely match U.S. population demographics.

The American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of foodborne illness and providing solutions for easily and safely handling food in their own kitchens. More information can be found at www.homefoodsafety.org.

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

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America's leading food companies, with brands in 97 percent of America's households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt's, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Snack Pack and many other ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence, supplying frozen potato and sweet potato products as well as other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information, please visit us at www.conagrafoods.com.

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