March Is National Nutrition Month

“Get a Taste for Nutrition” is the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month, according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA). One’s risks of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis (bone disease), and some types of cancer can be significantly reduced and even prevented by making proper food choices and maintaining a healthy weight through daily physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates continued to grow at epidemic proportions during the past decade. Obesity among adults increased by nearly 60%, and obesity among children doubled.

Overweight children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. For example, during their youth, overweight children and adolescents are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes) than are other children and adolescents.

Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. For example, one study found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years. Another study found that 25% of obese adults were overweight as children. The latter study also found that if overweight begins before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC) urges all Trenton residents, parents and children alike to commit to a healthy lifestyle. HJAHC employs a full time Registered Dietician, Kimberly Altman, for patients concerned about their eating habits, their risky behaviors and sedentary lifestyle. To make an appointment for a nutritional assessment, call (609) 278-5900.

In response to the increasing number of overweight and obese children, Henry J. Austin Health Center submitted a proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation entitled SWEET (Successful Weightloss by Eating and Exercising Together) for overweight and obese children from age seven to seventeen. Important components of SWEET are family involvement and behavior modification. SWEET is approved by the Trenton Board of Education and SWEET is offered in several of the Trenton schools. To learn more about the program and if your child is eligible, call Catherine Taeffner, 278-5900 .

• The American Dietetic Association provides the following tips: The health benefits of incorporating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables into your daily eating plan balanced with one hour of physical activity can indeed be very rewarding and important in increasing one’s productive life span. The key is adhering to a consistent healthy eating plan and physical activity.
• Healthy eating helps you to get the most out of life. A healthy lifestyle is the key to looking good, feeling great and being your best at work and play. It all starts with a healthy eating plan.
• Individual needs and preferences determine your personal food choices. Match your food choices to your lifestyle and individual requirements, choosing enough to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Actively pursue variety. Expand your range of choices and explore new tastes, within and among food groups. Eating a wide variety of foods not only promotes optimal nutrition, it provides the pleasurable aspects of eating.
• Make moderation your goal; you decide how much and how often. Healthy eating does not mean feeling deprived or guilty. Look at the big picture, what you eat over several days, not just one day or one meal, that’s important.
• Develop a personal fitness plan that fits your lifestyle. The key is to find a variety of activities you enjoy. You don’t need expensive equipment or complicated fitness programs.