Friday, February 22, 2008


Emergency Forms and Plans

Emergency Planning Books
The 10 Commandments of Healthy Eating for Parents
It's As Simple as Counting to Ten
-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

1. Thou shalt not force, bribe or coerce thy child to eat.
2. Thou shalt set a good example by eating at least five fruits and vegetables, three whole grain products, and three dairy servings per day thyself.
3.Thou shalt make mealtimes pleasant.
4. Thou shalt encourage thy child to help in meal planning, preparation, and cleanup.
5. Thou shalt back off when mealtime becomes a power struggle.
6. Thou shalt accept food "binges" as phases that will eventually pass.
7. Thou shalt accept the fact that thy child is an individual and thus will dislike certain foods (and there may be many!).
8. Thou shalt not give up on introducing thy child to new foods. Thou shalt realize it sometimes takes ten tries to get a child to accept a food.
9. Thou shalt use this division of responsibility for eating: As the parent, thou art responsible for deciding when and what to serve. Thy child is responsible for deciding how much (if any) will be eaten.
10. Thou shalt give thy child a multivitamin-mineral supplement if he is a picky eater.For more family nutrition tips, read "Make Family Mealtime More Pleasant".
A Parent's Guide to Nutrition for Kids

Lesson 1:
Blueprint for a Healthy Diet-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietician

Believe it or not, the nutritional needs of children have not changed in the last 20 years. However, the world they live in certainly has. It is quite a different childhood experience for kids and teens, with fast food restaurants on every corner, big-gulp colas, 50 or more TV channels to surf, text messaging, mall hopping, video games, and ipods. It is important that we update our parental nutrition lessons to help them form the best possible eating habits for life in the 21st century. Blueprint for a Healthy Diet The food pyramid is still the best blueprint for building a balanced diet. At http://www.mypyramid.gov/, you can obtain a personalized nutrition plan for each member of the family. A healthy diet will help your children build bodies that go the distance.

Believe it or not, the nutritional needs of children have not changed in the last 20 years. However, the world they live in certainly has. It is quite a different childhood experience for kids and teens, with fast food restaurants on every corner, big-gulp colas, 50 or more TV channels to surf, text messaging, mall hopping, video games, and iPods. It is important that we update our parental nutrition lessons to help them form the best possible eating habits for life in the 21st century.

If you've mastered Lesson 1: Blueprint for a Healthy Diet, then you're ready to complete your nutrition course in Part 2 of this series, which includes Lessons 2, 3 and 4.

Lesson 2: Breakfast is mandatory
When morning rolls around, your child has gone without food for eight or more hours. Do you plan on sending her out the door without eating until lunchtime? No way! Studies show that children who eat breakfast are more alert—learning and performing better in school—than children who don't eat in the morning.

Children who see their own parents eating breakfast are more likely to eat breakfast themselves. Remember, you need breakfast too! Feed your family's brains and power their bodies with these quick and easy breakfast ideas that will please everyone at the table:

*Ready-to-eat cereal with fruit and milk (Learn about the best—and worst—choices by reading Breakfast Cereal Scams.)
*Toasted bagel with cheese
*Fruit-filled breakfast bar with fruit and yogurt
*Fruit smoothie
*Peanut butter on whole-wheat toast
*String cheese with rye crisp crackers
*Read Healthy & Quick Breakfast Ideas for more ideas.

Lesson 3: Mealtime Flexibility

When you're busy chauffeuring kids in every direction for activities before and after school, you need to be more flexible than ever when it comes to feeding the family. No longer can "three meals a day" be the golden rule for everyone, all the time.

When time is tight, think meals in minutes, mini-meals, and healthy snacks. Five or six small meals may work the best on some days, while two main meals and two to three mini-meals are better on others. Every home should have a pantry stocked and 2-3 meals that can be prepared in five minutes or less.

The following recipe is a perfect example of a nutritious alternative to fast food that can easily be prepared in just a few minutes. This wrap style sandwich can easy be transported in the car too. Check out SparkPeople's Recipes for more quick meal ideas.

Tuna and Coleslaw Wrap
Serves 4
1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained
1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup reduced-fat coleslaw dressing
4 (8-inch diameter) whole wheat tortillas

In a bowl, add the tuna, cabbage, pineapple, and dressing. Stir to mix evenly. Top each tortilla with one-fourth of the mixture. Fold both sides of tortilla up over the filling and roll to close.

Lesson 4: Reasonable Limits
*Forbidding goodies entirely is almost guaranteed to send your kids straight to the vending machines at school. Rather than taking an extreme measure, pick snacks and desserts that are lower in fat, sugar and salt, and set limits on frequency and portion sizes. It is never too early to teach your kids how to structure their meals and snacks.

*Schedule times when food will be available for your family to eat. Family meals provide chances to nutritiously refuel the body, while reducing the distracted snacking and overeating that occurs while you and your kids watch TV and play computer games but aren't truly hungry. Learn more about The Benefits of Eating Together.

*Never force, coerce, bribe, or nag your kids to eat certain foods. Serve well-balanced meals and snacks that include foods that you know your kids like, along with things they should be eating. When you eat healthy meals and snacks in front of your children, they'll gradually start nibbling the good stuff too! your children build bodies that go the distance. Here is what they need most each day.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Beware MEAT & MILK from clonned animals(on the Market with less study time than prescription drugs!)

The Agriculture Department has also declared that meat from clones cannot be deemed organic.
By Rick WeissWashington Post Staff Writer Saturday, January 5, 2008; Page A03

‘Having completed a years-long scientific review, the Food and Drug Administration is set to announce as early as next week that meat and milk from cloned farm animals and their offspring can start making their way toward supermarket shelves, sources in contact with the agency said yesterday.The decision would be a notable act of defiance against Congress, which last month passed appropriations legislation recommending that any such approval be delayed pending further studies.’
Read the rest of the article below and get link to article and pictures.More Informational sites:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/andrewkantor/2007-02-09-center-for-food-safety-response_x.htm

http://www.google.com/search

More of the article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are substances that are found in foods we eat. Your body needs them to work properly, so you grow and develop just like you should. When it comes to vitamins, each one has a special role to play. For example:
Vitamin D in milk helps your bones.
Vitamin A in carrots helps you see at night.
Vitamin C in oranges helps your body heal if you get a cut.
B vitamins in leafy green vegetables help your body make protein and energy.

Vitamins Hang Out in Water and Fat
There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble.

When you eat foods that contain fat-soluble vitamins, the vitamins are stored in the fat tissues in your body and in your liver. They wait around in your body fat until your body needs them.

Fat-soluble vitamins are happy to stay stored in your body for awhile — some stay for a few days, some for up to 6 months! Then, when it's time for them to be used, special carriers in your body take them to where they're needed. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins.

Water-soluble vitamins are different. When you eat foods that have water-soluble vitamins, the vitamins don't get stored as much in your body. Instead, they travel through your bloodstream. Whatever your body doesn't use comes out when you urinate (pee).

So these kinds of vitamins need to be replaced often because they don't stick around! This crowd of vitamins includes vitamin C and the big group of B vitamins — B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid, B12 (cobalamine), biotin, and pantothenic acid.

Vitamins Feed Your Needs
Your body is one powerful machine, capable of doing all sorts of things by itself. But one thing it can't do is make vitamins. That's where food comes in. Your body is able to get the vitamins it needs from the foods you eat because different foods contain different vitamins. The key is to eat different foods to get an assortment of vitamins. Though some kids take a daily vitamin, most kids don't need one if they're eating a variety of healthy foods.

Now, let's look more closely at vitamins — from A to K:

Vitamin A
This vitamin plays a really big part in eyesight. It's great for night vision, like when you're trick-or-treating on Halloween. Vitamin A helps you see in color, too, from the brightest yellow to the darkest purple. In addition, it helps you grow properly and aids in healthy skin.

Which foods are rich in vitamin A?
*milk fortified with vitamin A
*liver
*orange fruits and vegetables (like cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes)
*dark green leafy vegetables (like kale, collards, spinach)

The B Vitamins
There's more than one B vitamin. Here's the list: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid. Whew — that's quite a group!

The B vitamins are important in metabolic (say: meh-tuh-bah-lik) activity — this means that they help make energy and set it free when your body needs it. So the next time you're running to third base, thank those B vitamins. This group of vitamins is also involved in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Every part of your body needs oxygen to work properly, so these B vitamins have a really important job.

Which foods are rich in vitamin B?
*whole grains, such as wheat and oats
*fish and seafood
*poultry and meats
*eggs
*dairy products, like milk and yogurt
*leafy green vegetables
*beans and peas

Vitamin C
This vitamin is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape. C is also key if you get a cut or wound because it helps you heal. This vitamin also helps your body resist infection. This means that even though you can't always avoid getting sick, vitamin C makes it a little harder for your body to become infected with an illness.

Which foods are rich in vitamin C?
*citrus fruits, like oranges
*cantaloupe
*strawberries
*tomatoes
*broccoli
*cabbage
*kiwi fruit
*sweet red peppers

Vitamin D
No bones about it . . . vitamin D is the vitamin you need for strong bones! It's also great for forming strong teeth. Vitamin D even lends a hand to an important mineral — it helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs.

Which foods are rich in vitamin D?
*milk fortified with vitamin D
*fish
*egg yolks
*liver
*fortified cereal

Vitamin E
Everybody needs E. This hard-working vitamin maintains a lot of your body's tissues, like the ones in your eyes, skin, and liver. It protects your lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. And it is important for the formation of red blood cells.

Which foods are rich in vitamin E?
*whole grains, such as wheat and oats
*wheat germ
*leafy green vegetables
*sardines
*egg yolks
*nuts and seeds

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is the clotmaster! Remember the last time you got a cut? Your blood did something special called clotting. This is when certain cells in your blood act like glue and stick together at the surface of the cut to help stop the bleeding.

Which foods are rich in vitamin K?
*leafy green vegetables
*dairy products, like milk and yogurt
*broccoli
*soybean oil

Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. There are 13 vitamins your body needs. They are vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folate). You can usually get all your vitamins from the foods you eat. Your body can also make vitamins D and K. People who eat a vegetarian diet may need to take a vitamin B12 supplement.

Each vitamin has specific jobs. If you have low levels of certain vitamins, you may develop a deficiency disease. For example, if you don't get enough vitamin D, you could develop rickets. Some vitamins may help prevent medical problems. Vitamin A prevents night blindness.

The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods. In some cases, you may need to take a daily multivitamin for optimal health. However, high doses of some vitamins can make you sick.

For a great vitamin chart and basic information on vitamins check out Wikipedia! Amore comprehensive
Government Help Sites

Afterschool.govProvides a gateway to federal resources that support children and youth during out-of-school hours.

AIDS.govInformation gateway to guide users to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS information and resources.

CDC.govHomepage for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

ChildStats.govProvides statistical information on children and families on the federal and state level.

Consumer.govA one-stop link to a broad range of federal information resources available online.

DHHS.govHomepage for the Department of Health and Human Services.

FDA.govHomepage for the US Food and Drug Administration.

Federal Citizen Information CenterProvides general information and resources to consumers on a variety of areas.

Fitness.govProvides information about the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)From the National Agricultural Library for USDA, provides a directory to credible, accurate, and practical resources for nutrition and health professionals, educators and government personnel.

FoodSafety.govA gateway website that provides links to selected government food safety-related information.

GirlsHealth.govCreated to help girls (ages 10-16) learn about health, growing up, and issues they may face.

Grants.govAllows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.

Health.govPortal to the web sites of a number of multi-agency health initiatives and activities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal departments and agencies.

Healthfinder.govProvides access to consumer resources concerning nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention.

HealthierUS.govProvides access to consumer resources concerning nutrition, physical fitness, and disease prevention.

Medicare.govOffice website for people with Medicare.

MyPyramid.govMyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

Recreation.govA customer-friendly recreation portal with information for planning visits to Federal recreation sites and making campground/tour reservations

Science.govGateway to authoritative selected science information provided by U.S. Government agencies, including research and development results.

USA.govThe official U.S. gateway to all government information.

USDA.govHomepage of the United States Department of Agriculture.

WomensHealth.govWebsite provides free, reliable health information for women everywhere.

Last Modified: Jan 23, 2008
What's In Food?

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats & Fiber

Vitamins & Minerals

Salt & Sodium

Antioxidants & Phytonutrients

Food Additives

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Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)


Look up Calories or Nutrients in a Food

See Lists of Foods with Specific Nutrients
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Food Stamp Program

WIC - Women, Infants, and Children

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Head Start

School Lunch and Breakfast Programs

Summer Food Service Program

Elderly Nutrition Program

Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Commodity Distribution Program

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Hunger
Dietary Supplements

Questions To Ask Before Taking Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Herbal Supplements

Safety and Health Claims

Dietary Supplements for Athletes

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Heart Health

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Commonly Asked Questions (FAQ)
Weight Management

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Interactive Tools

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Life Stages

Infants

Children

Adolescents

Men

Women

Seniors

Infants

MedlinePlus: Infant and Toddler NutritionDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Offers information, resources, and the latest news on infant and toddler nutrition and provides age-specific information on feeding children for the first two years. Links users to organizations and services for more information. Also in Spanish.

2000 CDC Growth Charts: United StatesDHHS. CDC. National Center for Health Statistics.Growth charts have been used by healthcare providers and parents to track the growth of infants, children, and adolescents in the United States since 1977. Website provides resources including clinical growth charts, educational materials, data tables and reports.

Lifecycle Nutrition: Infant Nutrition ~ FNICUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Provides a gateway to resources on infant nutrition, evaluated and maintained by the Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC).

Infant Feeding and NutritionUSDA. NAL. FNIC. WIC Works Resource System.Find numerous links, evaluated by Registered Dietitians, to credible infant feeding and nutrition information and resources, maintained by WIC Works Resource System.

Infant Feeding Guide for Healthy Infants (PDF117)USDA. NAL. FNIC. WIC Works Resource System.A practical feeding guideline handout for the first year of life, produced by the New Jersey WIC program. Includes advice for introducing solid foods and lists foods to avoid in the first 12 months.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart SeriesUS Department of Agriculture; US Department of Education; US Department of Health and Human Services. Series of booklets, in both English and Spanish, for parents of newborns through 12 month old infants.

Breastfeeding - Best for Baby. Best for Mom.DHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Provides practical, helpful breastfeeding information to help mothers learn about the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, and gives the phone number for the Center's Breastfeeding Helpline. Also in PDF780 KB and in Spanish.

Infant Nutrition and Feeding Resource ListUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Collection of resources on infant nutrition and feeding, including books, pamphlets and audiovisuals published from 2000 on. Also in PDF99 KB.

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: BreastfeedingDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Information from the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia related to breastfeeding, including recommendations, possible problems, and additional resources including a breastfeeding tips page. Also in Spanish.

Feeding Your Baby with Breast Milk or FormulaDHHS. Food and Drug Administration.Short fact sheet with guidance on infant feeding and making the decision between breast milk and formula. Also in PDF396 KB.

Feeding Infants: A Guide for use in the Child Nutrition ProgramsUSDA. FNS. Team Nutrition.Provides information on nutrition for infants, including breastfeeding and formula feeding, feeding solid foods, sanitary food preparation and safe food handling. Helpful for both parents and child care staff.

Infant Formula OverviewDHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.Information about infant formulas, including regulation of commercial formulas, commonly asked questions, resource links, and how to report problems, that may be helpful to industry, consumers, government agencies, and others.

National Institute of Child Health & Human DevelopmentDHHS. NIH. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.Supports and conducts research on topics related to the health of children, adults, families, and populations. Some topics of research include reproductive health, reducing infant deaths, and human growth and development.

WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Program serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas ProgramDepartment of Defense. Provides general information on the WIC program and how it works overseas, as well as information on eligibility requirements.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in WICUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Gateway to information on the benefits of breastfeeding as well as links to information on federal requirements for breastfeeding, the Fathers Supporting Breastfeeding program, and the Breastfeeding Promotion Consortium. Also in Spanish.

Child and Adult Care Food ProgramUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care for children and elderly adults by making care more affordable for many low-income families. This website provides a gateway to information related to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) program, including eligibility requirements, FAQs, state contacts, regulations and more.


Kidsnutrition.orgUSDA. ARS. Children's Nutrition Research Center.Serves as a gateway to research information, and provides resources on maternal, infant, and child nutrition.

Maternal and Child Health BureauDHHS. HRSA. Maternal and Child Health Bureau.Promotes optimal health and quality health care of mothers and children in the United States.

Keeping Baby SafeDHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.Provides tips on food safety when caring for infants and children.

Learn the Signs. Act Early.DHHS. CDC. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.Do you know all the ways you should measure your child’s growth? Find information, developmental milestones, fact sheets and more, to help you help your child reach her/his full potential.

America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2007Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics.Provides a report on the key indicators of child and family well-being in America in 2007. Links to reports from previous years.

FoodReview: Examining the Well-Being of ChildrenUSDA. Economic Research Service.From October 2001, contains articles on the well-being of America's children, children's diet quality, the problem of overweight children, foodborne disease among children, the economics of breastfeeding, and food assistance programs that help children and their families.

Nutrition's Role in Feeding Children's BrainsUSDA. Agricultural Research Service.Describes research to understand factors that may contribute to the “failure to thrive” condition that occurs in some children.

Study Examines Long-Term Health Effects of Soy Infant FormulaUSDA. Agricultural Research Service.Provides information on research conducted on the immediate and long-term health effects of soy-based infant formulas.

Children
General Resources
For Kids
For Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers

Adolescents
General Resources
For Tweens and Teens
For Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
Weight and Body Image


Men

MedlinePlus: Men's Health IssuesDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Provides information, news, and resources related to men's health issues, including diet and nutrition, and related diseases.

USDA MyPyramid Food Guidance SystemUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. The MyPyramid food guidance system replaces the original Food Guide Pyramid. It can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

Finding Your Way to a Healthier YouUS Department of Health and Human Services; US Department of Agriculture.Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this teaches you how to make smart food choices, and balance food and physical activity to increase chances for a healthy life. Also in PDF220 KB.

Why Do Fruits and Vegetables Matter to Men? (PDF512 KB)DHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Educational brochure for men about the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. Targeted to African American males, but applicable for all men.

The DASH Eating PlanDHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Links to a brochure that discusses the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, which can lead to better control of high blood pressure.

SmallStep.govDepartment of Health and Human Services. Stories, newsletter, tips and recipes geared to helping people learn how small changes in their lifestyle and eating habits can produce big results. Includes websites for adults and for kids. Also in Spanish.

Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Healthy LifestyleUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Provides information on making quick, easy, healthy meals and gives tips for adding physical activity to your lifestyle. Site is specifically designed for parents and caregivers, but provides helpful information for all adults.

Quick Tips: Variety, Balance, and ModerationDHHS. CDC. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Practical tips on healthy eating, including the importance of variety, balance, and moderation.

Fathers Supporting BreastfeedingUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Provides access to materials to help fathers learn how to support breastfeeding mothers.

Interactive ToolsUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Links to web sites that allow consumers to enter information and receive individual feedback to help with diet evaluation and planning, checking personal health risks and testing knowledge.

Eating Smart: A Nutrition Resource List for ConsumersUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.This publication is a compilation of resources on general nutrition and healthy eating for the consumer. The resources are in a variety of formats, including books, newsletters, and materials on the World Wide Web.

Osteoporosis in MenDHHS. NIH. NIAMS. Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases - National Resource Center.Osteoporosis is a concern for men as well as women. Find out more. Also in PDF161 KB.

Women


On this page find resources and information on good nutrition for women in general, and also for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
On this page... General ResourcesPregnancyBreastfeeding
General Resources
Finding Your Way to a Healthier YouUS Department of Health and Human Services; US Department of Agriculture.Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this teaches you how to make smart food choices, and balance food and physical activity to increase chances for a healthy life. Also in PDF220 KB.

USDA MyPyramid Food Guidance SystemUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. The MyPyramid food guidance system replaces the original Food Guide Pyramid. It can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

A Healthy Diet from womenshealth.govDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Having a healthy diet is sometimes easier said than done. This fact sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions on the basics of good nutrition and healthy eating. Also in PDF220 KB.

SmallStep.govDepartment of Health and Human Services. Stories, newsletter, tips and recipes geared to helping people learn how small changes in their lifestyle and eating habits can produce big results. Includes websites for adults and for kids. Also in Spanish.

Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Healthy LifestyleUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Provides information on making quick, easy, healthy meals and gives tips for adding physical activity to your lifestyle. Site is specifically designed for parents and caregivers, but provides helpful information for all adults.

Quick Tips: Variety, Balance, and ModerationDHHS. CDC. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Practical tips on healthy eating, including the importance of variety, balance, and moderation.

A Lifetime of Good Health: Your Guide to Staying HealthyDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.For women, a guide to healthy behaviors to prevent and manage health conditions over the lifespan. Outlines key preventive steps for achieving lifelong health. Also in Spanish (PDF1.8 MB) and Chinese (PDF1.8 MB).

Sisters Together: Move More, Eat BetterDHHS. NIH. NIDDK. Weight-control Information Network.Provides background information for the Sisters Together initiative, designed to encourage African American women to be physically active and eat healthier foods. Also provides links to other Sisters Together publications.

Eating Smart: A Nutrition Resource List for ConsumersUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.This publication is a compilation of resources on general nutrition and healthy eating for the consumer. Resources are in a variety of formats, including books, newsletters, and materials on the World Wide Web.

Staying Active and Eating HealthyDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Tips for women on healthy eating and physical activity from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Weight-control Information NetworkDHHS. NIDDK. Weight-control Information Network.Provides a gateway to information and resources on overweight, obesity, weight control and nutrition. Some publications available in Spanish.

Interactive ToolsUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Links to web sites that allow consumers to enter information and receive individual feedback to help with diet evaluation and planning, checking personal health risks and testing knowledge.

Folic AcidDHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Provides information on folic acid (folate) and explains the importance of adequate intake, especially for pregnant women or women of child bearing age. Offers additional resources and publications. Also in Spanish.

Anemia - Frequently Asked QuestionsDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Anemia can be of special concern to women. Find out more about the signs and symptoms of anemia, and what you can do to prevent or treat it. Also in PDF68 KB.

Do CAM Therapies Help Menopausal Symptoms?DHHS. NIH. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.Fact sheet based on findings from a 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science (SoS) conference on the management of menopause-related symptoms. It answers some frequently asked questions and lists resources for more information. Also in PDF347 KB.

Questions and Answers About Black Cohosh and the Symptoms of MenopauseDHHS. NIH. Office of Dietary Supplements. Provides answers to common questions about the use of black cohosh for treatment of menopausal symptoms.

For Your Heart!DHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Based on answers to questions, this site provides women with information on nutrition, exercise, cholesterol, blood pressure and other factors related to heart health.

The DASH Eating PlanDHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.Links to a brochure that discusses the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan which can lead to better control of high blood pressure.

The Heart TruthDHHS. NIH. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.A national awareness campaign for women about heart disease. Also in Spanish.

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource CenterDHHS. NIH. NIAMS. Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases - National Resource Center.Provides a gateway to general information, fact sheets, research and links to other important osteoporosis information.

The Low-Down on Osteoporosis: What We Know and What We Don'tDHHS. National Institutes of Health. NIH Word On Health article that clears up some common myths about osteoporosis.

Anorexia NervosaDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Provides answers to frequently asked questions about anorexia. Also links to information on bulimia and binge eating disorder, and to other organizations for more resources on eating disorders. Also in PDF200 KB.

Healthy Women Build Healthy Communities ToolkitDHHS. Health Resources and Services Administration.A toolkit from the Bright Futures for Women’s Health and Wellness (BFWHW) Initiative for women who want to improve the health of their communities. Resources to help women take action to help people be more physically active and eat healthier. Also in PDF3.8 MB.

Pregnancy
MyPyramid for Pregnancy & BreastfeedingUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. A MyPyramid web site designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers provides interactive guidance.

What to Eat While PregnantDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Answers frequently asked questions related to eating during pregnancy.

Having a Healthy Pregnancy: ABC's...Pregnancy Tips (A-Z)DHHS. CDC. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.Not all birth defects can be prevented, but a woman can take some actions, including diet changes, that increase her chance of having a healthy baby.

Fit for Two: Tips for PregnancyDHHS. NIH. NIDDK. Weight-control Information Network.Eating well can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy newborn. Find ideas and tips to improve your eating plan and become more physically active before, during, and after your pregnancy. Also in PDF9 MB.

MedlinePlus: PregnancyDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Provides links to information, news, and resources related to pregnancy, including nutrition and diet-related information. Also in Spanish.

Pregnancy and Body ImageDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.For some women, body image is a huge concern, especially during pregnancy. Here are some ideas to help you love and accept your pregnant body.

Lifecycle Nutrition: Pregnancy ~ FNICUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Provides links to a variety of resources on pregnancy and maternal health.

Nutrition During Pregnancy Resource List for ConsumersUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Collection of resources on the topic of nutrition during pregnancy for consumers. Resources include books, pamphlets and audiovisuals and are limited to those published in 2000 or later.

Food Safety for Moms-To-BeFDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.Food safety information and guidance for before, during and after pregnancy.

What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and ShellfishDHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Environmental Protection Agency.For pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children, provides answers to frequently asked questions about the benefits of eating fish and shellfish, and gives recommendations for avoiding excessive exposure to mercury in fish and shellfish. Also in PDF233 KB and in Spanish (PDF235 KB).

Folic AcidDHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Provides information on folic acid (folate) and explains the importance of adequate intake, especially for pregnant women or women of child bearing age. Offers additional resources and publications. Also in Spanish.

Diabetes and PregnancyDHHS. CDC. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.Provides answers to frequently asked questions about diabetes and pregnancy.

Managing Gestational Diabetes: A Patient's Guide to a Healthy PregnancyDHHS. NIH. National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.Provides general guidelines for keeping healthy and promoting the best outcomes for the baby. Describes gestational diabetes, its causes and its features, and includes a general treatment plan to help control the condition.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersDHHS. CDC. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a lifelong condition that causes physical and mental disabilities. Find out more from CDC.

WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Program serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

WIC Program Fact Sheet (PDF26 KB)USDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Find out more about the WIC Program. Also in Spanish (PDF26 KB).

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas ProgramDepartment of Defense. Provides general information on the WIC program and how it works overseas, as well as information on eligibility requirements.

Maternal and Child Health BureauDHHS. HRSA. Maternal and Child Health Bureau.Promotes optimal health and quality health care for mothers and children in the United States.

Pregnant? Don't Drink AlcoholDHHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How much do you or your friends know about drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Find out why you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding
MyPyramid for Pregnancy & BreastfeedingUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. A MyPyramid web site designed specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers provides interactive guidance.

Breastfeeding - Best for Baby. Best for Mom.DHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Provides practical, helpful breastfeeding information to help mothers learn about the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, and gives the phone number for the Center's Breastfeeding Helpline. Also in PDF780 KB and in Spanish.

An Easy Guide to BreastfeedingDHHS. OWH. National Women's Health Information Center.Provides information and encouragement to women on breastfeeding. It explains the benefits for baby, mom and society, and also answers frequently asked questions about breastfeeding. Also in Spanish (PDF640 KB) and Chinese (PDF1.4 MB).

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: BreastfeedingDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Information from the MedlinePlus Encyclopedia related to breastfeeding, including recommendations, possible problems, and additional resources including a breastfeeding tips page. Also in Spanish.

Lifecycle Nutrition: Breastfeeding ~ FNICUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Provides links to resources on breastfeeding and infant nutrition.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support in WICUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Gateway to information on the benefits of breastfeeding as well as links to information on federal requirements for breastfeeding, the Fathers Supporting Breastfeeding program, and the Breastfeeding Promotion Consortium. Also in Spanish.

Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding WorkUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.USDA's WIC Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign which is national in scope and being implemented at the State agency level.

Fathers Supporting BreastfeedingUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Provides access to materials to help fathers learn how to support breastfeeding mothers.

WIC - Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and ChildrenUSDA. Food and Nutrition Service.Program serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas ProgramDepartment of Defense. Provides general information on the WIC program and how it works overseas, as well as information on eligibility requirements.

What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and ShellfishDHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Environmental Protection Agency.For pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children, provides answers to frequently asked questions about the benefits of eating fish and shellfish, and gives recommendations for avoiding excessive exposure to mercury in fish and shellfish. Also in PDF233 KB and in Spanish (PDF235 KB).

Seniors

FNIC Consumer Corner: Seniors

MedlinePlus: Nutrition for SeniorsDHHS. NIH. National Library of Medicine.Provides a gateway to the latest news and information on the topic of nutrition seniors and aging. Offers links to research and related topics. Also in Spanish.

Eating Well as We AgeDHHS. Food and Drug Administration.Handout addresses financial barriers to eating well, chewing issues, cooking issues, shopping, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and the Nutrition Facts panel. Also in PDF791 KB and in Spanish (PDF791 KB).

USDA MyPyramid Food Guidance SystemUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. The MyPyramid food guidance system replaces the original Food Guide Pyramid. MyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

Finding Your Way to a Healthier YouUS Department of Health and Human Services; US Department of Agriculture.Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this teaches you how to make smart food choices, and balance food and physical activity to increase chances for a healthy life. Also in PDF220 KB.

Good Nutrition: It's a Way of LifeDHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging.Addresses nutrition and feeding issues for seniors such as chewing problems and loss of taste, and provides tips on shopping on a budget. Also in PDF177 KB.

SmallStep.govDepartment of Health and Human Services. Stories, newsletter, tips and recipes geared to helping people learn how small changes in their lifestyle and eating habits can produce big results. Includes websites for adults and for kids. Also in Spanish.

Lifecycle Nutrition: Aging ~ FNICUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.Maintained by the Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC), provides a listing of resources on nutrition in aging.

Eating Smart: A Nutrition Resource List for ConsumersUSDA. NAL. Food and Nutrition Information Center.This publication is a compilation of resources on general nutrition and healthy eating for the consumer. Resources are in a variety of formats, including books, newsletters, and materials on the World Wide Web.

Health and Aging OrganizationsDHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging.Online, searchable database lists more than 250 national organizations that provide help to older people.

National Institute on AgingDHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging. Leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life through aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.

Elders and Families: NutritionDHHS. Administration on Aging.Dedicated to helping older adults remain healthy and active by providing nutrition information and resources.

USA.gov: Senior Citizens' ResourcesUSA.govProvides links to information for older Americans on topics such as consumer protection, employment, education, health, retirement and taxes.

Eldercare Locator DHHS. Administration on Aging. Links older Americans, their families and caregivers to information and resources on services provided to seniors, including state and local agencies and other community organizations.

US Administration on Aging DHHS. Administration on Aging. Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns, including health and nutrition, and the Elderly Nutrition Program. Website content also available in other languages.

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource CenterDHHS. NIH. NIAMS. Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases - National Resource Center.Provides a gateway to general information, fact sheets, research and link to other important osteoporosis information.

Osteoporosis ~ NIHSeniorHealthDHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging; National Library of Medicine.Online resource with information and videos for seniors about osteoporosis, including risk factors, warning signs, treatment and research, and more.

To Your Health! Food Safety for SeniorsDHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; USDA. Food Safety and Inspection Service.Discusses food safety practices and risks for the elderly. Also in PDF1.9 MB.

Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on AgingDHHS. NIH. National Institute on Aging. Provides exercise plans, nutritional information and exercise safety tips for older adults. Online in PDF3.18 MB and in Spanish (PDF2.62 MB).

AgingStats.GovFederal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.Provides statistical information on the aging population, including information on dietary quality, obesity, and physical activity.

The Graying of AmericaUSDA. ERS. Food Review. A series of articles discuss food and older Americans. Specific issues addressed include: demographic characteristics, diet quality, food expenditures, food security, food stamp use, and risk of foodborne disease.

Hold the Fries: Older Americans and Food ChoicesUSDA. ERS. Amber Waves.Examines how population growth, income growth and shifts in demographics affect U.S. food spending. Also in PDF191 KB.

Nutrition and Health Characteristics of Low-Income Populations: Volume IV, Older AdultsUSDA. Economic Research Service.Data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III) were used to compare the nutrition and health characteristics of the nation's older adults.

Guide to Driving & Alzheimer's 
Nutrition.Gov

Project M.O.M. - Mothers & Others & MyPyramid

Does Meal Frequency Affect Your Health?
Learn about the possible health effects of eating one large meal a day compared with eating three meals a day based on USDA research.


Nutrition Information for Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish
Download posters from the FDA CFSAN to help plan a healthy diet and learn about the important nutrients in fruits, vegetables and...


USDA National Nutrient Database Online SearchUSDA. ARS. Nutrient Data Laboratory. Look up the nutrient value of thousands of foods in USDA's on-line searchable databse. Results show values for 128 nutrients.

Nutritive Value of Foods, Home and Garden Bulletin No. 72 (HG-72)USDA. ARS. Nutrient Data Laboratory. Contains data for 19 nutrients on over 1,274 foods expressed in terms of common household units.

USDA National Nutrient Database Online SearchUSDA. ARS. Nutrient Data Laboratory. Look up the nutrient value of thousands of foods in USDA's on-line searchable databse. Results show values for 128 nutrients.

Nutritive Value of Foods, Home and Garden Bulletin No. 72 (HG-72)USDA. ARS. Nutrient Data Laboratory. Contains data for 19 nutrients on over 1,274 foods expressed in terms of common household units.


USDA MyPyramid Food Guidance SystemUSDA. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. MyPyramid replaces the original Food Guide Pyramid. It helps you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005Department of Health and Human Services.The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

Finding Your Way to a Healthier YouUS Department of Health and Human Services; US Department of Agriculture.Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, this teaches you how to make smart food choices, and balance food and physical activity to increase chances for a healthy life. Also in PDF220 KB.
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