Today, 99 percent of American adolescents have a television in their homes and 65 percent have televisions in their bedrooms. The rapid increase in kids' television watching has led researchers to factor in this habit when addressing the obesity epidemic especially among children. According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, television and video watching among both boys and girls is linked to increased consumption of soft drinks, fried foods and snacks. On the other hand, researchers found that time spent reading and doing homework is associated with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. The researchers urged that nutrition education incorporate messages about the influence of the media and advertising on dietary behaviors.
"Physical activity can help increase their bone density, decrease their risk for certain diseases and develop family fun-time habits," said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Althea Zanecosky. "Get kids involved by finding activities the whole family can do – walk, bike, roller-blade, or golf."
Like mother, like daughter… and even granddaughter
Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease that affects millions of Americans each year, especially women. Osteoporosis involves a decrease in mineral content, a change in bone architecture and an increase in susceptibility to fractures. A study led by researchers at the University of Utah found that low levels of physical activity are related to femoral neck bone mineral density among not only women and their daughters, but their granddaughters as well. The researchers suggest that making physical activity part of a daily routine, in addition to an adequate intake of calcium and bone-related nutrients, should be an important goal for maintaining or improving bone health for women of all ages.
"To help prevent osteoporosis and low bone mineral density, women should make physical activity a regular part of their daily routines and consume the recommended daily 1,000 milligrams of calcium," said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Jackie Berning.
American Dietetic Association position statement on "Integration of medical nutrition therapy and pharmacotherapy":
Medical nutrition therapy is a key factor in improving health and quick recovery for patients with diabetes and heart disease. Medical nutrition therapy is an in-depth nutrition assessment of a patient's nutrition status followed by appropriate therapy, usually by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional. Because of the extent of chronic diseases, pharmacotherapy along with medical nutrition therapy may become necessary treatment to help achieve optimal results.
The position statement is as follows:
It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that the application of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and lifestyle counseling as a part of the Nutrition Care Process is an integral component of the medical treatment for management of specific disease states and conditions and should be the initial step in the management of these situations. If optimal control cannot be achieved with MNT alone and concurrent pharmacotherapy is required, then the Association promotes a team approach to care for clients receiving concurrent MNT and pharmacotherapy and encourages active collaboration among dietetics professionals and other members of the health care team.
"Adequate nutrition is essential in the recovery of a patient from disease or the treatment associated with the disease," said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Cindy Moore. "Dietetics professionals are vital to helping patients achieve optimal control of their condition."
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the official research publication of the American Dietetic Association and is the premier peer-reviewed journal in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Based in Chicago, ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Visit ADA at www.eatright.org.
Journal
Journal of the American Dietetic Association