Women who sit 4 to 7 hours per day, are more likely to show signs of type 2 diabetes

For Release May 1, 2012

Sitting at work all day increases diabetes risk in women: Academy of nutrition and dietetics offers tips to reduce your risk.

CHICAGO – A new study finds women who spend four to seven hours a day sitting are more likely to show early signs of type 2 diabetes, but researchers have found no such link in men. During National Women’s Health Week and beyond, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages all women to take steps to increase physical activity and decrease their risk of developing diabetes.

“The reality for many Americans is that we work nine-to-five jobs and are sedentary most of the work day, increasing our risk for developing type 2 diabetes,” said registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Jessica Crandall. “The good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable through maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical activity throughout the day, not just after you get home from work.”

The risk is still significant for women even if they engage in moderate or vigorous physical activity after a sedentary day at the office, according to the study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

“If you have a desk job, fight the urge to be a desk potato and take frequent breaks throughout the day—go for a walk or go to the gym during lunch, and instead of picking up the phone to call a coworker during the day, walk to his or her office to talk,” Crandall said.

Crandall also recommends taking short stress breaks throughout the day. “During the day, take a brisk ten-minute walk, stretch your muscles and stand while you’re on the phone instead of sitting,” she said. “Also, keep the candy bowl off your desk to avoid the urge to nibble for stress relief.”

According to Crandall, it is also important to know if you are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, older age, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes or race/ethnicity.

The prevalence of diabetes is at least two to four times higher among African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Asian/Pacific Islander women than among white women. Because of the increasing lifespan of women and the rapid growth of minority populations, the number of women in the United States at high risk for diabetes and its complications is increasing.

“If you’re at risk for developing diabetes, work with a registered dietitian to develop an eating plan tailored for your lifestyle,” Crandall said.

“When you take steps to prevent diabetes, you will also lower your risk for possible complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and other health problems—that’s a big reward for you and your family and friends,” Crandall said. “A registered dietitian is the one of your best teammates when making these lifestyle changes.”

In commemoration of National Women’s Health Week, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has developed a library of information for women interested in eating right. To learn more, visit www.eatright.org/womenshealth.

For media interviews with Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokespeople, journalists can contact Ryan O’Malley at 312/899-4769 or email media@eatright.org.
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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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 of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Dogs and Raisins

Grapes and raisins appear to cause renal failure in dogs who have ingested large amounts. ASPCA http://bit.ly/IoqovN

Senate Agriculture Committee Approves Key Nutrition Program Funding

For Release April 27, 2012

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Applauds Senate Agriculture Committee For Funding Key Nutrition Programs In Farm Bill

CHICAGO – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics praises the Senate Agriculture Committee for approving legislation that will fund key nutrition programs that empower Americans with the knowledge to make healthful food choices.

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) funded in the Farm Bill and provided in community settings have been shown to improve healthful eating behaviors to help reduce chronic disease,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia A. Escott-Stump.

“In addition, the Academy commends efforts to maintain the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for students to help develop life-long healthful eating habits,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy thanks Sens. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.) for their bipartisan leadership in developing a draft bill that will help improve the health of Americans through good nutrition.

“We realize we are in tough economic times, but the Academy urges the committee not to cut access for many Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” Escott-Stump said. “Often overlooked is the fact that SNAP reduced the poverty rate by nearly 8 percent in 2009, a significant factor for families and communities.”

SNAP also helps stimulate the local economy at a time when it is most needed. For every $5 in new SNAP benefits $9.20 is generated in total economic activity.

“It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that systematic and sustained action is needed to achieve food and nutrition security for all in the United States. Therefore, the Academy will continue to work with these Congressional leaders to make sure all Americans have access to healthy and safe foods. We will also work to make sure there is funding for nutrition research in the bill, so future decisions are made based on evidence, with solid science to back them up,” Escott-Stump said.

The Academy will continue its efforts with other key partners in the public health, anti-hunger and agriculture communities to help assure passage of an effective Farm Bill.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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 of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

New Survey by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Shows Grocery Totes may Increase Risk of Food Poisoning

FOR RELEASE APRIL 3, 2012

SURVEY: LESS THAN 1 IN 6 AMERICANS FREQUENTLY WASHES GROCERY TOTES INCREASING RISK FOR FOOD POISONING

New survey by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program finds few Americans properly separating foods

CHICAGO – Reusable grocery totes are a popular, eco-friendly choice to transport groceries, but only 15 percent of Americans regularly wash their bags, creating a breeding zone for harmful bacteria, according to a survey by the Home Food Safety program, a collaboration between the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) and ConAgra Foods.

“Cross-contamination occurs when juices from raw meats or germs from unclean objects come in contact with cooked or ready-to-eat foods like breads or produce,” says registered dietitian and Academy spokesperson Ruth Frechman. “Unwashed grocery bags are lingering with bacteria which can easily contaminate your foods.”

Each year, 48 million Americans are affected by food poisoning caused by foodborne pathogens such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli.

“Food poisoning can easily be prevented with practical steps, such as cleaning grocery totes and separating raw meats from ready-to-eat foods when shopping, cooking, serving and storing foods,” Frechman says.

According to Frechman, bacteria can be eliminated by:

·        Frequently washing your grocery tote, either in the washing machine or by hand with hot, soapy water;

·        Cleaning all areas where you place your totes, such as the kitchen counter;

·        Storing totes in a clean, dry location; and

·        Avoiding leaving empty totes in the trunk of a vehicle.

“When grocery shopping, wrap meat, poultry and fish in plastic bags before placing in the tote, and use two different easy to identify totes; one for raw meats and one for ready-to-eat foods,” Frechman says.

It’s also important to separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods when preparing food, she says. To stay safe in the kitchen, use two cutting boards: one strictly to cut raw meat, poultry and seafood; the other for ready-to-eat foods, like breads and vegetables.

“Don’t confuse them, and always wash boards thoroughly in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher after each use,” she says. “Discard old cutting boards that have cracks, crevices and excessive knife scars.”

Visit www.homefoodsafety.org for additional safety tips on how to avoid cross-contamination and food poisoning.

American Dietetic Association Officially Becomes Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

New name, same commitment to public’s nutritional health

CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, has officially changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The change took effect January 1.


“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been in existence since 1917 as the American Dietetic Association, after working to feed the troops healthfully during World War I. Protecting the public’s health is the highest priority of the Academy and our members, and our new name complements our focus: the nutritional well-being of the American public,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia Escott-Stump.


“The name, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, promotes the strong science background and academic expertise of our members, primarily registered dietitians. Nutrition science underpins wellness, prevention and treatment,” she said.


“An academy is ‘a society of learned persons organized to advance science.’ This term describes our organization and immediately emphasizes the educational strength of our advice and expertise.”


“By adding nutrition to our name, we communicate our capacity for translating nutrition science into healthier lifestyles for everyone. Keeping dietetics supports our history as a food and science-based profession. Thus, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quickly and accurately communicates our identity – who we are and what we do,” Escott-Stump said.


“Whether planning nutritious meals for children in day-care centers or schools, teaching individuals with diabetes about managing their blood sugar or saving lives with complex nutritional interventions after surgery, registered dietitians are the best qualified providers. The name change communicates that we are the nutrition experts,” she said.


The Academy’s award-winning website remains www.eatright.org. The colorful Eat Right logo will stay a part of the organization’s graphic identity. In addition, the ADA Foundation has become the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.


“While our name has changed to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we still have the same mission, the same powerful Eat Right message, and are still bringing the same quality nutrition advice to the table as we have for nearly 100 years,” Escott-Stump said.


“The field of nutrition has changed over this century, and we’re evolving to meet these needs—as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.”

Registered Dietitians Review and Rate Top Apps for Weight Management, Diabetes and Gluten-Free Eating

 REGISTERED DIETITIANS REVIEW AND RATE
TOP APPS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, DIABETES
AND GLUTEN-FREE EATING

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokespeople
provide expert guidance for consumer health apps

CHICAGO – Thousands of diet and nutrition apps are available for phones and tablets... so many, in fact, there are even apps to find apps. Rather than choosing food and nutrition apps based on the same criteria used to rate Angry Birds, Americans can now identify the best, science-based apps to assist them in losing weight, managing diabetes and eating gluten-free with help from registered dietitians and spokespeople of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association).

“Americans are increasingly turning to apps to support them in achieving their health goals, especially for New Year’s resolutions,” says registered dietitian and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Marisa Moore. “While the right app can keep you on track to meeting these goals, the wrong app could be filled with misinformation and dangerous fads.”

To help consumers separate healthy, science-based tools from fads and misinformation, registered dietitians have reviewed and rated 30 of the most popular, free iPhone apps for gluten-free eating, weight management and diabetes:

·        Jessica Crandall, RD, CDE, reviews top-rated apps for gluten-free eating.

·        Sarah Krieger, MPH, RD, LDN, reviews top-rated apps for weight management.

·        Marisa Moore, MBA, RD, LD, reviews top-rated apps for managing diabetes.

“While many apps have sound nutritional information and can serve as a basis for healthy weight loss, no app can offer the individualized counseling, meal-planning and science-based nutrition expertise of a registered dietitian,” says Moore. “Registered dietitians have the knowledge and expertise to help everyone understand their personal diet needs, and help them develop an eating plan that is right for them.”

To read the reviews, visit www.eatright.org/appreviews. Academy spokespeople are available for interview and comment by contacting Ryan O’Malley at media@eatright.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) 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 of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.

Fewer than One in Four Americans Regularly Use Food Thermometer to Ensure Food is Thoroughly Cooked

For Release November 8, 2011

New survey from American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety Program

Only 23 percent of Americans report regularly using a food thermometer to check the doneness of meats, according to a Consumer Knowledge of Home Food Safety Practices survey by the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program.

“One in six Americans gets sick from food poisoning each year. However, easy steps such as using a food thermometer to ensure holiday turkey and other foods are cooked to the safe internal temperature can help protect your family and dinner guests from possible foodborne illness,” says registered dietitian and ADA Spokesperson Ximena Jimenez.

“Contrary to common belief, food that may contain harmful bacteria cannot be easily identified visually or even by taste or smell, so the best way to avoid food poisoning is through prevention,” Jimenez says. “Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure foods are thoroughly cooked and eliminate any harmful bacteria that may be present, but unfortunately less than a quarter of Americans regularly use a food thermometer, and many aren’t certain of the correct cooking temperatures.”

A guide on how to use a food thermometer as well as a listing of safe minimum internal temperatures of foods may be found at www.homefoodsafety.org, along with other easy steps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

“Following safe food handling procedures is extremely important, especially for those who can be at far greater risk of developing serious illness from food poisoning, such as pregnant women, very young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems or certain chronic illnesses,” Jimenez says.

“Whether you’re preparing a holiday ham, turkey or goose, or everyday foods such as hamburgers or chicken breasts, use a food thermometer to ensure you’re cooking to proper temperatures,” says Joan Menke-Schaenzer, chief global quality officer at ConAgra Foods. “On top of keeping us healthy, a food thermometer can also be a helpful guide when determining when food is done. No more overcooked holiday turkeys!”

A Quick Guide to Thawing and Cooking the Perfect Turkey and other resources for reducing foodborne illness are also available at www.homefoodsafety.org.

HealthFocus International conducted the Consumer Knowledge of Home Safety Practices survey in April 2011 through an online survey of a random sample of 1,000 Americans between the ages of 20 and 75 who are the primary household shopper and responsible for preparing the main meal for the household three or more days a week. The sample was chosen to closely match U.S. population demographics. The survey was originally conducted in 1999 with follow-up waves in 2002 and 2011.

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.

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.