Public nutrition programs
Nutrition programs were targeted to the indigent and poor population, but now Americans need nutrition programs. Many Americans deal with obesity. It is not a surprise with all the fast food restaurant chains, drive-through, and expensive healthy food. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2015–2016, the prevalence of obesity was 39.8% in adults and 18.5% in youth” (Hales, Carroll, Fryar, & Ogden, 2017, p. 1). Obesity is associated with many harmful health problems. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (2015), obesity increases the chance of having “type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, kidney disease,” and many more health problems (p. 1). These health problems are extremely dangerous, so people need to follow nutrition programs to improve their health. People who do not have these heath problems also need to follow nutrition programs to lessen the chance of getting these health issues.
I believe three most important points that should be included in public nutrition programs are: eating health food, especially fruits and vegetables, mindful eating, and physical activity. Salvin and Llyod stated in “Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables” that “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommend you make one-half of your plate fruits and vegetables” (2012, p.1). Fruits and vegetables are extremely good for people. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, eating many fruits and vegetables regularly can help lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar which can help keep appetite in check” (2018, p.1). These are reasons why Americans really need fruits and vegetables in their diet.
I think mindful eating needs to be incorporated into public nutrition programs. People need to be educated on mindless eating and the dangers behind it. I think everyone does mindless eating because of our environment. Sometimes I catch myself eating without even realizing. That is why stopped eating in front of the television. According to Wansink (2016), “…people end up serving about 22 percent more pasta on a twelve-inch plate then they do on a ten-inch plate” (p.2). This is because when food is served on a bigger plate people think there is not that much food, so people end up eating more food. Wansink also stated that, “Four ounces of pasta on a ten-inch plate looks like a full plate of pasta, but on a twelve-inch plate, it doesn’t even look like an appetizer” (2016, p.2). Americans need to be educated about the environment and its contribution to unhealthy eating habits. So this way Americans can develop habits like mindful eating and stay on the healthy path.
Physical activity is the last important point that I believe needs to be included in public nutrition programs. Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Physical activities can help people maintain weight, lose weight, improve mental health, strengthen bones and muscles, etc. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Science shows that physical activity can reduce your risk of dying early from the leading causes of death, like heart disease and some cancers” (2018, p. 4). With busy schedules Americans do not exercise. We need to be educated on the benefits of physical activities, so we can make time and incorporate physical activities in our lives.
I am from New York, so for New Yorkers one nutritional education community resource is Eat Smart New York. Eat Smart New York is coordinated by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Administration. The link is https://otda.ny.gov/
Reference:
Hales, C. M., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Ogden, C. L. (2017, October). Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015–2016. Retrieved June 28, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/
Health Risks of Being Overweight. (2015, February 01). Retrieved June 28, 2018, from https://www.niddk.nih.
Physical Activity. (2018, February 13). Retrieved June 28, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/
Slavin, J. L., & Lloyd, B. (2012). Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables. Advances in Nutrition, 3(4), 506–516. http://doi.org/10.
Vegetables and Fruits. (2018, February 26). Retrieved June 28, 2, fromhttps://www.hsph.harvard.
Wansink, B. (2016, March 10). Mindless eating: Why we eat more than we think – Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. Retrieved June 28, 2018, from https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
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