Healthy Heart Program Updates
In this Issue
Summer is here and with that comes outdoor picnics, social gatherings, potluck meals and fun! This issue provides some ideas for healthful picnic foods and food safety concerns that warrant careful consideration. We have chosen recipes to accompany the national food themes for July and August. However, make this the season to enjoy the Colorado outdoors and outdoor activities. Being active is certainly the best means to reduce risk for all forms of cardio-vascular disease.
For those of you unable to attend the Lillian Fountain Smith conference held recently in Fort Collins we are capturing the high points of the presentations on the first day that has direct relevance to your interest in heart disease. The opening morning was devoted to the topic: Carbohydrates - Friend or Foe? The speakers provided a very clear understanding of the importance of carbohydrates while addressing the current wave of popularity the low-carb movement has generated. It is always essential that as professionals we ask ourselves if it's true that the increase in overweight and obesity is due to carbohydrates. Some would have us believe this to be the case. It is important to examine the opposing dietary approaches to weight loss within the framework of energy balance and thermodynamics. This session was extremely well received and provided key facts to help us as we teach others. Being active and fit is the key factor to always remember. In addition we need to realize that each of us is unique with different risks for heart disease. It's the combination of these that determines actual risk….so enjoy the outdoors and being fit!
A new program the American Heart Association has launched is Choose to Move. This is a free physical activity program for women. During the 12 week program participants learn how to be active regularly, eat healthfully, select nutritious foods and take time for themselves. Choose to Move includes:
- A personal easy-to-follow handbook that can be printed online,
- Nutrition tips and recipes,
- Tips on healthy ways to manage your weight,
- Important facts on heart disease and stroke.
To request information visit: www.americanheart.org/choosetomove/ or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). Let us know if you access this or use the resources. We would like to hear how it works out in your programs.
Efforts are also underway to maximize resources of three national associations devoted to health. On June 15, the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Diabetes Association embarked on an unprecedented and historic collaboration. The partnership will reach an unparalleled number of people with simple, shared messages of awareness and prevention that have enormous potential to save lives. Combined efforts will promote awareness of key healthy behaviors such as:
Jennifer Anderson, Ph.D., R.D.
Food and Nutrition Extension Specialist
Shirley Perryman, M.S., R.D.
Extension Specialist
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Updated Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
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