Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Families, Food and Fitness Community of Practice
I am pleased to announce that I have joined the Families, Food and Fitness Community of Practice on eXtension! The Community of Practice (COP) serves as a means of communicating with fellow Extension Agents in the effort to continually improve programming. The COP shares information, ideas, opportunities to collaborate, and learn from each other. The COP is currently developing its web pages. I look forward to learning, sharing and experimenting with colleagues in the future. Look for additional information and updates as they become available. To access eXtension and learn more about their work visit www.extension.org.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Health Myths
I was recently asked to write about Health Myths. This was my response:
Myth: I have to join a gym and go on a rigid diet plan to lose weight. The truth is that people do not need to go to extremes to improve their health. They do need to be more physically active and eat a healthy diet to lose weight. Increasing your physical activity can be as simple as walking additional steps everyday. You can calculate your step per day by purchasing an inexpensive pedometer. Track your steps at Walk NJ Point-to-Point at www.getmovinggethealthynj.rutgers.edu.
Myth: Eating a few extra calories per day can’t make me gain weight. The truth is that as little as 150 extra calories (equivalent to a granola bar) per day can cause some people to gain up to 10 pounds in a year. Use the food intake calculator at www.mypyramid.gov for feedback on the amount of food and nutrients you are consuming.
Myth: To lose weight I have to starve myself.
The truth is that the best way to lose weight is to consume a variety that includes fresh fruit and vegetables (between 5 and 9 1/2 cup servings) everyday, choose 3-4 ounces of lean meat that is baked grilled, or broiled, and choose whole grain cereals and breads. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks. Information about dietary guidelines can be found at www.mypyramid.gov.
Myth: If children are overweight today they will outgrow it by the time they are adults.
The truth is overweight children often become overweight adults. Children at young ages now have illnesses once thought to occur only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The mental health consequences for overweight children are far reaching including issues of depression, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Overweight youth are often socially excluded by their peers and thus remain isolated. Additional information can be found at www.njaes.rutgers.edu.
Myth: I have to join a gym and go on a rigid diet plan to lose weight. The truth is that people do not need to go to extremes to improve their health. They do need to be more physically active and eat a healthy diet to lose weight. Increasing your physical activity can be as simple as walking additional steps everyday. You can calculate your step per day by purchasing an inexpensive pedometer. Track your steps at Walk NJ Point-to-Point at www.getmovinggethealthynj.rutgers.edu.
Myth: Eating a few extra calories per day can’t make me gain weight. The truth is that as little as 150 extra calories (equivalent to a granola bar) per day can cause some people to gain up to 10 pounds in a year. Use the food intake calculator at www.mypyramid.gov for feedback on the amount of food and nutrients you are consuming.
Myth: To lose weight I have to starve myself.
The truth is that the best way to lose weight is to consume a variety that includes fresh fruit and vegetables (between 5 and 9 1/2 cup servings) everyday, choose 3-4 ounces of lean meat that is baked grilled, or broiled, and choose whole grain cereals and breads. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks. Information about dietary guidelines can be found at www.mypyramid.gov.
Myth: If children are overweight today they will outgrow it by the time they are adults.
The truth is overweight children often become overweight adults. Children at young ages now have illnesses once thought to occur only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. The mental health consequences for overweight children are far reaching including issues of depression, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Overweight youth are often socially excluded by their peers and thus remain isolated. Additional information can be found at www.njaes.rutgers.edu.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Get Moving Get Healthy New Jersey is linked on Rachel Ray's Website
Rachel Ray's Yum-O! website is featuring information about our Get Moving Get Healthy New Jersey initiative! It is very exciting for our Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs to be recognized by a well-known celebrity like Rachel Ray.
Please visit the Yum-O site for additional information about the exciting programs offered by the Family & Community Health Sciences and 4-H Youth Development Departments at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Some of the programs include a Walk NJ Point to Point virtual walking tour, information about eating a healthy diet and strategies for increasing your physical activity.
Please visit the Yum-O site for additional information about the exciting programs offered by the Family & Community Health Sciences and 4-H Youth Development Departments at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Some of the programs include a Walk NJ Point to Point virtual walking tour, information about eating a healthy diet and strategies for increasing your physical activity.
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