Monday, May 22, 2017

May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity


The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB).  

The theme has been chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 70/193 and for which the United Nations World Tourism Organization is providing leadership.

Biodiversity, at the level of species and ecosystems, provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. Recognition of the great importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. Many issues addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. A well-managed tourist sector can contribute significantly to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.

For many coastal communities, the survival of marine and coastal ecosystems and biodiversity is essential to their nutritional, spiritual, societal and religious well-being. But even for the many millions of people who may not think that they have any strong reliance on the ocean, marine ecosystems and wildlife provide all kinds of benefits. Many coastal environments provide protection for those farther inland from the ravages of the sea. Coral reefs buffer land from waves and storms and prevent beach erosion. Dune systems on beaches stabilize shorelines from erosion and encroachment. Mangroves, mudflats and deltas trap sediment, preventing the land behind it from sliding ever-seaward.


The ocean world is in all our daily lives. For example, sponges from the Mediterranean have been used for painting, cooking, cleaning and even contraception for at least 5,000 years. Substances derived from seaweeds stabilize and thicken creams, sauces, and pastes, are mixed into paint and used to make paper and even in skin lotion and toothpaste.

Many marine plants and animals also contain a multitude of substances already being used, or identified as being of potential use, in medicines. Each of the 700 known species of cone snail produces a unique cocktail of 100 to 200 toxins, some of which have already been developed into pain killers: one, which has been on the market since 2004, is more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. A 2010 study predicted the existence of between 250,000 and close to 600,000 chemicals in the marine environment, approximately 92 percent of which remained undiscovered; those chemicals, the study’s authors estimated, might yield up to 214 new anti-cancer drugs, worth anywhere from US $563 billion to $5.69 trillion.


Most importantly of all, tiny marine plants called phytoplankton produce energy, like plants on land, through photosynthesis. As a result of that photosynthesis, they release oxygen. In fact, phytoplankton release half of all oxygen in the atmosphere.



Under the Sea

International Day for Biological Diversity 2017

Friday, May 19, 2017

Food Revolution Day

Food Revolution Day is fighting to put compulsory practical food education on the school curriculum.

With diet-related diseases rising at an alarming rate, it has never been more important to educate children about food, where it comes from and how it affects their bodies.


It’s about celebrating the importance of cooking good food from scratch and raising awareness of how it impacts our health and happiness – we believe that everyone should know about food and it starts with getting kids food smart, making cooking fun and inspiring a love of food that will last a lifetime. Food Revolution Day is a campaign by the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation in the UK and USA, and The Good Foundation in Australia. 


Jamie Olive's Big Bet on Food Education




Who is taking part?
Food Revolution Day is open to anybody, whether you’re a school, organisation or individual.

Many activities are organised by supporters in their local area or voluntary Food Revolution ambassadors who champion food knowledge and cooking skills in their communities.

Why have a day of action?
Learning about food and how to cook from scratch is one of the most valuable skills a child can ever learn.

This knowledge used to be passed down from generation to generation, but now, with an over reliance on unhealthy convenience foods, millions of people lack the confidence and even the most basic skills to cook for themselves and their families. By educating children about food in a fun and engaging way, we’re equipping them and future generations with the skills they need to live healthier lives.

National Bike to Work Day and National Bicycle Month


May, National Bicycle Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.

MissionTo promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

History. The League was founded as the League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists, known then as "wheelmen", were challenged by rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians.

In an effort to improve riding conditions, more than 100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined the League to advocate for paved roads. The success of the League in its first advocacy efforts ultimately led to our national highway system.

Benefits of Bike Riding
People ride bicycles for all sorts of reasons, from better health, to saving money on fuel, and helping the environment. In addition, bike riding is a lot of fun.


Bike Safety - Introduction to Bike Safety 
and Sharing the Road


Danger Rangers Bike Safety PSA


Food Art: Bicycle Built for Two
The song "Bicycle Built for Two" was written in 1892.
The American bicycle history spans over 100 years.


Resource
The League provides education for cyclists, including bicycle safety.To learn more about the League of American Bicyclists, visit their website at http://www.bikeleague.org. 

Friday, April 7, 2017

April 7, World Health Day 2017: Depression Let's Talk



World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April. The 2017 theme of the World Health Organization (WHO) is focused on Depression: Let's Talk.  Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.

 World Health Day 2017 - WHO: Depression - Let's Talk




One of the first steps is to address issues around prejudice and discrimination. “The continuing stigma associated with mental illness was the reason why we decided to name our campaign Depression: let’s talk,” said Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO. “For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery.”

Associated Health Risks

WHO has identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable disorders and diseases. Depression increases the risk of substance use disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease; the opposite is also true, meaning that people with these other conditions have a higher risk of depression.

Depression is also an important risk factor for suicide, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Said Dr Saxena: “A better understanding of depression and how it can be treated, while essential, is just the beginning. What needs to follow is sustained scale-up of mental health services accessible to everyone, even the most remote populations in the world.”

Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.


In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Resources 

Friday, March 31, 2017

National Nutrition Month and Beyond
Put Your Best Fork Forward

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The March 2017 theme for National Nutrition Month® is “Put Your Best Fork Forward.” 






The theme serves as a reminder - "Each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices." Making small changes over time helps improve health now and into the future. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help guide the public on gradually shifting toward healthier eating styles.





Resources
Visit the Academy’s website to view a library of recipes designed to help you “Put Your Best Fork Forward.”

As part of this public education campaign, the Academy’s National Nutrition Month website includes a variety of helpful tips, games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition based on the “Put Your Best Fork Forward.”

###

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.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

National Nutrition Month:
Put Your Best Fork Forward for Food Safety


* Rinse and wash fruits before preparing or eating them. Under clean, running water, rub fruits briskly with your hands to remove dirt and surface microorganisms. Dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel after rinsing.
* Keep fruits separate from raw meat, poultry and seafood while shopping, preparing and storing.






Friday, March 10, 2017

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Turns 100 Years Old


Creating a Profession and Improving Health: Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics Celebrates its
Centennial in 2017


January 5, 2017
Press Release
CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017 by honoring the dietetics profession and forging a new vision for the Academy's Second Century.
For the past 100 years, the Academy has been dedicated to building a profession that optimizes health through food and nutrition. The Academy was founded as the American Dietetic Association in 1917 by a visionary group of women committed to taking on the greatest food and nutrition challenge of the day: conserving food, feeding the troops and nourishing Americans while combating malnutrition in the face of severe food shortages during World War I.
"Our founders created an organization and a profession that changed the course of food, nutrition and health," said registered dietitian nutritionist and the Academy's 2016-2017 President Lucille Beseler.




Today, the Academy represents more than 100,000 registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians, registered, working across the food and health spectrum in hospitals, foodservice, academia, business, wellness, agriculture, public health and private practice. The Academy continues to provide unequalled, evidence-based nutrition practice resources for its members and health professionals.
"The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has built on the legacy of our brave and inspirational founders as we address food and health systems that have changed significantly, becoming more global and complex," Beseler said.
"The ability to feed people and feed them well is a challenge we face in our homes, our schools, our communities, our nation and around the world. Yet these challenges also present unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration between nutrition professionals and other leaders," Beseler said.
A significant part of the Academy's Second Century includes expanded international collaborative relationships. In September 2016, the Academy convened the Nutrition Impact Summit, which brought together nearly 200 Academy members and thought leaders in food, wellness and health care systems to identify potential projects and strategic partners in the U.S. and worldwide.
"Honoring our legacy means unflinchingly addressing the health challenges of the present day, our present century and the next. The Academy's vision for the Second Century is grounded in an extraordinary commitment to collaboration, a focus on service and an emphasis on creating a world where people and communities flourish because of the transformational power of food and nutrition," Beseler said.
The Academy will commemorate its centennial throughout 2017, at the Academy's Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo™.
All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy's Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use "registered dietitian nutritionist" (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.
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 eatright.org.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

National Nutrition Month 2017 - Put Your Best Fork Forward


National Nutrition Month® (NNM) 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.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, is celebrated on March 8, 2017. 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.

2017 NNM Theme

"Put Your Best Fork Forward" is the theme for NNM 2017 which serves as a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month® and over time, helps improve health now and into the future. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help guide the public on gradually shifting toward healthier eating styles by promoting NNM activities and messages during March.



Be sure to visit the Academy's National Nutrition Month® website during the upcoming months for new and updated resources to help make the NNM 2017 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, NNN 2017

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Exciting News - NASDAQ Opening Bell on Thursday, February 16 with Academy President Lucille Beseler



NASDAQ Opening Bell on February 16, 2017 with
 Academy President Lucille Beseler




Academy President Lucille Beseler is happy to share that the Academy has been invited to ring the opening bell at 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.on Thursday, February 16 at NASDAQ http://www.nasdaq.com/ . This is the eighth time in recent years in which the Academy has been invited to be part of NASDAQ's trading day.
Academy President Lucille Beseler will be joined by members who live in the New York area. Lucille's remarks will highlight our centennial, the Second Century initiative, our members and their great work in optimizing the nutritional health of individuals, families, communities and the world.

The NASDAQ ceremony on Thursday, February 16, will be broadcast live from 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time on NASDAQ's website http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx. It will also be broadcast live on video screens in Times Square. The Academy's name and logo will be on NASDAQ's tower with the message "The Stock Exchange Welcomes the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics."

This is always an exciting opportunity for the Academy, and we are thrilled to be a part of the ceremony. We will share this information with members in next week's Eat Right Weekly and via social media. Please share this with colleagues, family and friends so that they can view the video live on Webcast or view it later on NASDAQ's Facebook and Twitter.

Webcast:
A live webcast of the NASDAQ Opening Bell will be available on Thursday, February 16, at 9:15 a.m. ET at:  http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx

Facebook and Twitter:
For multimedia features such as exclusive content, photo postings, status updates and video of bell ceremonies please visit NASDAQ's Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NASDAQ-OMX/108167527653

For news tweets, please visit NASDAQ's Twitter page at:
http://twitter.com/nasdaqomx

I encourage you to tune in on Thursday! Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

Lucille Beseler MS, RDN, LDN,CDE
President Family Nutrition Center of S. Florida 
President Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics 2016-2017
Office # 954-360-7883

Monday, February 13, 2017

National Tortellini Day - Tortellini Primavera Recipe

Tortellini are ring-shaped pasta, sometimes also described as "navel shaped", hence their alternative name of "belly button". They are typically stuffed with a mix of meat, pork loin, prosciutto or cheese. They are usually served in broth, either of beef, chicken, vegetable or a combination of all three.

Packed, refrigerated or frozen, tortellini and tortelloni (similar but larger, with cheese and/or vegetable stuffing) appear in many locations around the world, especially where there are large Italian communities. "Fresh" packed tortellini usually have 7 weeks of shelf-life.




Tortellini Primavera
Ingredients
5 servings
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
1 tablespoon chopped  chives
16-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables
16-ounce package frozen cheese tortellini

Directions
1. Put a large pot of water on to boil.
2. Whisk broth and flour in a small bowl. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until just beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth mixture to the pan, bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese and chives.

3. Add vegetables and tortellini to the boiling water; return the water to a simmer and cook until the vegetables and tortellini are tender, Three to five minutes. Drain; add to the pan with the sauce and stir to coat.

Resources
1. Tortellini Day, Wikipedia 
2. EatingWell,Tortellini Primavera  

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Modifying Recipes Related to Changing Nutritional Needs:
Carrot Ginger Bisque


As one gets older, some of our dietary needs change related to our health. This year I'm on a personal quest to prepare foods rich in flavors and colors, yet meet changing nutritional needs. 

A diagnosis of arthritis, can make it difficult to prepare some of your favorite recipes. Try improvising with some pre-packaged products and a touch of creativity.

Changing Nutritional Needs: 
1. Easy to prepare recipes (related to arthritis). Keep a pair of scissors around in order to open packages. Learn to slow down to avoid cutting oneself or dropping items.
2. Lower Sodium (related to hypertension; family history)
3. Increase Fiber (related to diverticulosis)
4. Monitor Calories and Increase Activities (related to a slower metabolism)
5. Easy to Chew (related to dentures and a recent stroke) 

6. Low in Cholesterol (related to history of elevated blood cholesterol; family history)

As I read this list, one might think I'm a mess, but I feel great. I am eating healthy and exercising at least one hour a day 5 to 6 times a week. I joined the silver sneakers program (free for many seniors depending on your health insurance). The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is an exercise program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles. "Get fit, have fun, make friends!" I took my first Zumba class this week and had a great time. Next week I am looking forward to learning yoga.

Carrot Ginger Bisque
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: about 1 cup
  

Ingredients 
2 cup Vegetable Broth, low sodium
1.5 cup Carrots, diced
1/4 cup Cranberries, dried, sweetened
1 box (17.6 oz) Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque, Pacific Natural Foods
3/4 cup White Beans, unsalted, drained

Directions 

Heat the vegetable broth. Add diced carrots and dried cranberries. Simmer until carrots and cranberries are tender. Using a strainer separate the carrots and cranberries from the broth. Reserve carrots and cranberries. 

Combine the broth and "Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque". Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add the white beans and reserved carrots and cranberries. Mix and reheat to serving temperature.


Notes. I used a low sodium vegetable broth to lower the sodium content of the Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque. To increase the fiber content, I garnished the recipe with white beans, diced carrots, and dried cranberries.



Nutrition Information

Recipe Card



Wednesday, October 19, 2016

National Seafood Bisque Day - Healthy Crab Bisque


Crab Bisque
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 3/4 cup

Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups thinly sliced shallots (about 4 large)
1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons vermouth
1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed and divided
3 cups fat-free milk
1 cup clam juice
1.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/3 cup)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Directions
1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add shallots and celery to pan; cook 10 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in vermouth; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates. Add 8 ounces crabmeat.

2. Combine milk and clam juice in a large bowl. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Whisk flour into milk mixture; add to pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.

3. Place half of milk mixture in blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining milk mixture. Return pureed mixture to pan. Stir in cream; cook over medium heat 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

4. Combine the remaining 8 ounces crabmeat, peppers, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Top soup with the crabmeat mixture.





Friday, September 9, 2016

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Announces
the National Nutrition Month® 2017 Theme


The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has announced the National Nutrition Month® 2017 theme, "Put Your Best Fork Forward". The theme serves as a reminder each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month® and over time, helps improve health now and into the future. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help guide the public on gradually shifting toward healthier eating styles by promoting NNM activities and messages during March.


National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

Thursday, September 1, 2016

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month 

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:
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
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.












Resources
Child Health and
Nutrition Resources


Visit the Childhood Obesity Awareness Month website for
a toolkit including tips and resources.
Kids Eat Right
your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker you need reliable resources and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals.


Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is your source for trustworthy, science-based food and nutrition information. The worlds largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, AND is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.
Let’s Move  is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active.
Choose MyPlate.  The website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets. 
Action for Healthy Kidsbelieve there are ways to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and undernourishment. Learn how Action for Healthy Kids is working with schools, families and communities to help our kids learn to be healthier and be ready to learn.

Healthy Children  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
Healthy Children - Nutrition;
Food Allergies in Children
Team Nutrition
Campaign launched by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ is about making America's children healthier. It's about practical suggestions that will help you motivate children and their caregivers to eat healthy and be active. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Campaign messages and materials are fun for children and informative for caregivers.



We Can.
The We Can! GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods fact sheet
(pdf) can be posted on the refrigerator or used when grocery shopping.

The We Can! Parent Tips - Snack (pdf)
100 Calories or Less tip sheet can help consumers choose vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk for healthier snacks.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides cash assistance to States to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. The program is administered at the Federal level by FNS. State education agencies administer the SBP at the State level, and local school food authorities operate it in schools.

Dietitian Blog List