Healthy Heart Beats

July-September 2008
Vol 30, Issue 3

Resources

New Website for the Center for Health and Nutrition Research

The Center for Health and Nutrition Research (CHNR), based at the University of California, Davis, Nutrition Department, has an updated website: http://chnr.ucdavis.edu/. This online resource contains online presentations on current nutrition topics: "Dietary Determinants of Obesity," "Eat Smart-Play Hard," "Fish Consumption Concerns and Interventions," and "Health Benefits of Dietary Flavonols." Also on the web site are summaries of current nutrition articles and a link to a bimonthly publication, "Nutrition Perspectives," which provides research-based information on food and nutrition. Consumer fact sheets are divided into those used by consumers and those intended for professionals. The section which answers frequently asked nutrition questions covers current nutrition topics such as energy drinks, fish consumption, trans fats, chocolate, phytochemicals, free radicals, antioxidants and vitamin/mineral supplements.

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Learn More about Nutrition and Food Safety

IFIC Whether you're a dietitian, other health professional, or someone who wants to learn more about a nutrition or food safety topic, visit the web site for the International Food Information Council (IFIC): http://www.ific.org/adacpe. Thirteen education modules are available free of charge and each module offers at least one hour of continuing education credit for nutrition professionals affiliated with the American Dietetic Association. View the slide presentation, answer a short quiz, and print a certificate of completion. The topics covered include caffeine, food allergy, carbohydrates, sugar alcohols, dietary fats, consumer attitudes toward food and health, the connection between food science and nutrition, communicating nutrition to consumers, and biotechnology. The modules are updated as needed and the newest module is on low calorie sweeteners. New modules continue to be introduced.

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Updated Ketogenic Diet Information

The article for the continuing education course from Food and Health Communications: "Are Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets the Key to Long-Term Weight Control and Better Health?" is available as a "read only" word file at no cost. View the recently updated article at http://www.foodandhealth.com/cpecourses/atkins_new.php. This very in-depth article covers the Atkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, other ketogenic diets, potential risks of a ketogenic diet, effects of a ketogenic diet on blood lipids and many more related concerns. See page 93 in the appendix for an ongoing discussion about topics and studies related to the Atkins diet. Additionally, there is a free "Carbohydrate 101" handout available: http://www.foodandhealth.com/products.php?cat=5.

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Wellness Reports Published for 2008

Available for purchase are four 64-page publications providing the latest information on preventive health care: "Controlling Your Cholesterol," "Dietary Supplements," Eating for Optimal Health," and "Women's Health." Obtain purchase information at www.ucbwellnessreport.com. Each report has been edited by an expert at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health and compiles the most current information in one publication. There is also a free 30-day preview and a money-back guarantee.

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America on the Move Tip Sheets

Tip sheets offering a variety of information on nutrition topics from cutting calories to healthy grocery shopping are available at the web site for America on the Move at: http://aom.americaonthemove.org/site/c.krLXJ3PJKuG/b.1776917/. Additionally, find tip sheets for ways to add physical activity to each day and the connection between weight and health along with other health resources.

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Eat Healthy on a Budget

shopping on budget With rising grocery prices eating healthy has become more of a challenge. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has put online 16 simple tips for saving on groceries. As always, use or adapt the information as best meets the needs of your clientele. Check the list for potential savings to your pocket book with small changes. The article and related printer-friendly pdf is at http://lancaster.unl.edu/FOOD/ftm-j08.shtml.

Additional money saving ideas may be gleaned from a nutrition column "Ten Tips to Ease the Bottom Line at the Grocery Store" written by Shirley Perryman, Extension Specialist, and posted on the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department website at Colorado State University. Click on the link - http://www.fshn.cahs.colostate.edu/perryman.asp.

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Healthy Shopping List

Find a "Healthy Shopping List" at http://www.foodandhealth.com/Shop_FACTS.pdf. With the emphasis of late on getting the healthiest bang for your buck, this easy-to-print list will give you a head start at the grocery store. For an added bonus, three steps for label reading are included as a reminder to focus on the best choices.

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Tips to Include Fruits and Vegetables

fruits As research continues to document the importance of including fruits and vegetables in our diet, it is timely that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has posted "9 'Bites' for Better-Tasting Fruits & Veggies" on their website: http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/ftj-a08.shtml. Nine preparation and storage "bites" to enjoy the abundant produce at its peak of flavor, appearance and safety are included. The information may be used or adapted for educational activities.

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Using Herbs and Spices to Eat Healthy

spice An updated PowerPoint on using herbs and spices and related handouts has been made available by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Especially helpful are fat, sugar and salt reduction tips which would be useful to anyone wanting to make healthful changes in their diet. A handout on fresh and dried herbs is also available. Use or adapt the information to meet your educational needs. The information can be located at: http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/spiceherb.shtml.