Healthy Heart Beats

October-December 2008
Vol 30, Issue 4

Resources

Isoflavones Database

A newly updated food composition database of plant chemical compounds called isoflavones is now accessible online. Isoflavones are a subclass of flavonoids found in large amounts in soybeans and soy foods as well as in small amounts in some other foods. They have mild estrogen-like properties and other biological characteristics which may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. The new database provides analytical values for three individual isoflavone compounds--genistein, daidzein and glycitein--in nearly 550 foods. These are grouped under 21 separate categories, such as "Legume Products," "Vegetables, "Baked Products," and "Baby Foods."

The updated database was compiled by searching the scientific literature for various databases. In assembling the database, the researchers conducted an extensive review of various data sources and evaluated scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals since 1999. All the data were evaluated by a data quality evaluation system.

The new Isoflavone Database has been made available by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and can be accessed online at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata/isoflav.

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Dietary Guidelines 2010

In a press release issued by the USDA Agricultural Secretary, Ed Schafer, and Health and Human Services Secretary, Mike Leavitt, revealed the names and expertise for each of the 13 individuals selected to join the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. These two agencies meet every five years to issue a new set of guidelines. To see the press release, go to http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/DGACpressrelease10-24-08.pdf.

2010 Dietary Guidelines "Since 1984 the Department of Agriculture has developed and issued food guidance for the American public. In this long evolution of providing the most up-to-date dietary guidance, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have become recognized as the Nation's cornerstone of Federal food policy. The Dietary Guidelines are of particular importance to nutrition education of the general public and in strengthening the Nation's food assistance programs which include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), and the School Lunch and WIC Programs," said Secretary Schafer. "Additionally, I want to emphasize that this will be an open and transparent process. All meetings are open to the public, and all meeting minutes and transcripts will be posted on-line at www.dietaryguidelines.gov."

"While the Dietary Guidelines are designed for a healthy population, they become increasingly important as we aim to reduce the burden of disease and death related to public health problems such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. This Committee will consider the most current and sound scientific literature as the members develop their Report. From this Report, the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services will jointly develop the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as well as a consumer publication," said Secretary Leavitt. "Updating the Dietary Guidelines supports the President's HealthierUS Initiative which promotes eating a nutritious diet, physical activity, preventive screenings and making healthy choices. We are committed to ensuring that the public receives the best nutrition guidance available that will help them live longer, healthier lives."

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Physical Activity Guidelines

Health and Human Services has released the most current Physical Activity Guidelines which may be viewed online at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/.

2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans - for policy makers and health professionals
Be Active Your Way: A Guide for Adults - for adults aged 18-64
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Toolkit - for organizations and communities
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report - for health professionals and researchers

Guidelines were issued for the following groups:

Children and adolescents-should include bone-strengthening exercises in addition to moderate or vigorous physical activity
Adults-should do moderate to vigorous physical activity as well as muscle strengthening activities
Older adults-should follow the guidelines for older adults unless modifications are necessary due to health status
Pregnant women-encouraged to be moderately physically active at a minimum
Adults with disabilities-encouraged to follow guidelines for adults within their ability
Adults with chronic medical conditions-should follow guidelines set by health care provider

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Feeding Kids Newsletter

Check out the latest Feeding Kids Newsletter by Connie Evers, MS, RD. It is published quarterly (January, April, September, and November) for parents, educators and health professionals. To subscribe, go to - http://nutritionforkids.com/Subscribe2.htm.

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Handouts Updated

Food and Health Communications has updated their free handouts which may be accessed at: http://www.foodandhealth.com/handout.php. The list of free handouts for 2009 include -

100 Calorie Snack Guide
10 Commandments of Weight Loss
Best Quick Meals
Carbohydrate 101
15 Ways to More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit and Vegetable Puzzle
Lean Meal Planner
MyPyramid - Get the Facts
Whole Grain Guide

Additionally, free holiday nutrition education materials are available:

Free Holiday Issue of Communicating Food for Health: http://www.foodandhealth.com/holidayCFFH.pdf
Free Handout-"Holiday Eating Without the Weight" http://www.foodandhealth.com/Nov03-6.pdf

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Free PowerPoint and Brochure

brochure The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has released several new free resources:

The PowerPoint "Supermarket Savings: 16 Tips that Total BIG Bucks!" may be downloaded at: http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/supermarket-savings.shtml.
A downloadable brochure, "Fitness Indulgence," is available at http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/fitness.shtml. The brochure inspires enthusiasm for physical activity by changing how you think about it.

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Team Nutrition Newsletter

The November issue of the Team Nutrition Newsletter developed by USDA and/or state agencies may be viewed at: http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/TN_Newsletters/TN_Newsletter_Nov_2008.pdf.

The newsletter shares ideas which may be used to promote healthy eating and physical activity for all children. For more information regarding USDA's Team Nutrition and how to enroll the schools in your community as a Team Nutrition School, go to the USDA Web site at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/team.html. Resources are available through Team Nutrition to schools and child care facilities that participate in Federal Child Nutrition Programs. These resources are available to the following: