[RESEARCH] Operational implications of using 2006 World Health Organization growth standards in nutrition programmes: secondary data analysis
Objective To assess the implications of adopting the World Health Organization 2006 growth standards in combination with current diagnostic criteria in emergency and non-emergency child feeding programmes.
Design Secondary analysis of data from three standardised nutrition surveys (n=2555) for prevalence of acute malnutrition, using weight for height z score (<-2 and <-3) and percentage of the median (<80% and <70%) cut-offs for moderate and severe acute malnutrition from the National Center for Health Statistics/WHO growth reference (NCHS reference) and the new WHO 2006 growth standards (WHO standards).
Setting Refugee camps in Algeria, Kenya, and Bangladesh.
Population Children aged 6-59 months.
Results Important differences exist in the weight for height cut-offs used for defining acute malnutrition obtained from the WHO standards and NCHS reference data. These vary according to a child's height and according to whether z score or percentage of the median cut-offs are used. If applied and used according to current practice in nutrition programmes, the WHO standards will result in a higher measured prevalence of severe acute malnutrition during surveys but, paradoxically, a decrease in the admission of children to emergency feeding programmes and earlier discharge of recovering patients. The expected impact on case fatality rates of applying the new standards in conjunction with current diagnostic criteria is unknown.
Conclusions A full assessment of the appropriate use of the new WHO standards in the diagnosis of acute malnutrition is urgently needed. This should be completed before the standards are adopted by organisations that run nutrition programmes targeting acute malnutrition.
Height matters: Americans are getting shorter
Filed under: Research, Daily news
A relative of mine lives in a cozy house in Southern England that dates back to the the 1500s. Take a walk through her living room and you'll realize that it's not just a rumor that people were shorter back when her house was built. My head touched the ceiling in some places and I am average height -- 5'7. We've gotten taller over the last 500 years or so, and it's mostly down to improved nutrition. But here's the thing -- We're going backwards, getting shorter. Why? Because the nutrition of the average American, which has been getting exponentially better over the years, is now getting worse. With all this technology, our nutrition is getting worse? It's strange but true -- we're learning more than ever but at the same time becoming more (intentionally?) ignorant than ever about one thing that matters more than anything -- our health. Yes in the Netherlands -- where nutrition is generally good and levels of obesity are low -- people continue to get taller. Perhaps we should take lessons from those Dutch. What do you think?
Nutrition - Millions Of People Worldwide Suffer From Alzheimer’s - Number Of Cases Feared To Double In Coming Years
Millions Of People Worldwide Suffer From Alzheimer’s - Number Of Cases Feared To Double In Coming Years
A hundred years ago, the psychiatrist and brain researcher described the first patient with a severe dementia accompanied by the massive loss of nerve cells (neurons). At that time, the disease later named after him was still rare. Alzheimer saw only two cases in his research career, as Dr. [click link for full article]
Doctor And Advocacy Groups Work To Deliver Cervical Cancer Vaccinations
Today, leading organizations from across the healthcare spectrum joined together to ensure that the United States is prepared to deliver on a major women’s health breakthrough - the elimination of most forms of cervical cancer through access to new vaccines and screening. The Partnership to End Cervical Cancer’s goal is to ensure the immediate inclusion of cervical cancer vaccines as part of routine preventive healthcare for American women. [click link for full article]
Can Information Help Beat Cancer?
Cancerbackup, the cancer information and support charity, has launched what it hopes will be the biggest ever survey of people affected by cancer. The aim is to increase understanding of how the provision of the right information, to the right people, at the right time helps them make the right choices about their treatment and care.”Information for people affected by cancer has long been recognised as vital”, says Derryn Borley, Head of Cancer Services, Cancerbackup. [click link for full article]
Vegetable And Fruit Juice Consumption Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
If you drink fruit and/or vegetable juice at least three times a week you could be reducing your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by 76%, say scientists in a new study. Even if you have a fruit and/or vegetable juice just twice a week your risk goes down 16%.You can read about this study in the September issue of the American Journal of Medicine. [click link for full article]
Memory Clinics Are Diverting NHS Resources From High Quality Care
Specialist memory clinics for patients with dementia are taking NHS resources away from long term integrated care, warn senior doctors in this week’s BMJ. Since 2001, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended that cholinesterase inhibitors should be available to people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, writes consultant psychiatrist, Anthony Pelosi and colleagues. [click link for full article]
Fat Loss for Intermediates - Success Series Part 2
If you’ve been training for at least three months, now you’re ready to kick it into high gear and start learning more about training and nutrition so you can get better and faster results.
Apricots: good for your heart
Filed under: Diet, Prevention, Nutrition
It's hard to believe such a sweet, tiny little fruit is such a nutritional powerhouse, but when it comes to protecting the heart through nutrition, the apricot is a powerful weapon. Apricots contain potassium, beta carotene, magnesium, and copper which are important to controlling blood pressure. Not only that, they're also are fiber-rich, which means they help keep cholesterol levels in check as well. And while fresh produce is always a good choice, eating dried apricots means you're getting a more concentrated dose of all that nutrient-rich goodness. So pack some apricots (dried or fresh) for an afternoon snack or keep some in your car to tide you over on your morning commute and know that you're doing your heart a favor while you enjoy their summery sweetness.
Don't avoid the flavonoid
Filed under: Diet, Prevention, Nutrition
It turns out that there's some truth to the old adage that An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. According to a 
study published in a recent issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who eat apples regularly have a decreased risk of dying from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.
What if you don't like apples? Try pears -- or even red wine. This same study revealed that consuming either of these will have the same preventative effects as eating apples. The researchers attribute these heart-healthy benefits to compounds known as flavonoids, which help reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol (Note: Flavanoids are not to be confused with the Noid -- who in the 80s was known to ruin the occasional pizza).
Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant activity, meaning that they protect against free radical damage. For a more comprehensive look at how flavonoids, found in such foods as apples and pears, can better your health, click HERE. As for how they measure up against this guy on the right, however, I think there is still much research to be done.
What about Potassium?
"Can't find what you are looking for? Try Google Search" Calorie Feature Article What about Potassium?Author: Rolf Rasmusson What about Potassium?Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document report 264 you'll life should be changed forever. You're going to discover that the biggest fallacy most people aren't aware of is that if we eat a balanced diet, (the four food groups), we get all the nutrients we need to stay healthy and live a long life. The truth is, this has been a matter of public record for the past 60 years. Fact is that our farming soils are severely depleted of these so important minerals such as potassium. Without adequate mineral intake whether through supplements or certain foods the vitamins our bodies take in are worthless. We need this important mineral as it assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Various surveys would have us believe that we get adequate amounts of daily intake but in truth how's that possible according to the senate document.We're taught that potassium rich food does the trick but in reality that really can't be so. Fruits and vegetables are mostly depleted of nutrients ? yes they still look good in the stores for sure. A little fancy treatment makes good marketing sense for the venders but not for us. As we contemplate the issues it makes us really wonder who's needs are being met with so many conflicting reports. The giant supermarkets aren't concerned about our nutrition; it?s the cash register that dictates the bottom line. Plant foods are harvested before they've even ripened; many are gas retarded from ripening, trucked across the United States, and then gas ripened. By the time the food gets to our dinner tables there's little or no nutrition left. But they sure look good. No longer can we rely on a "balanced" diet with merely so many calories or certain vitamins or fixed proportions of starches, proteins and carbohydrates. We know for certain that our diets must have a score of minerals. And potassium along with many others just isn't there. About the Author Senate doc 264 and much more at.. http://www.liquid-vitamins-4u.com... Electronic Calorie CounterCalorie Counting SheetCalorie Count In Food
FDA considers clearer food label symbols
The FDA is currently taking public comment on the possibility of creating a symbol system that would put nutritional information -- loud and clear -- on the front of food packages, instead of the current system of a smaller print food labeling on the side or back of a package. Though some companies currently do some version of this, the FDA system would presumably be more regulated and consistent. The hope is that when people see one of their favorite foods contains too much salt, fat, or sugar that they make a healthier choice.I think there are arguments for both sides of this issue. On the one hand, most of us are perfectly capable of turning a box around to read the ingredients -- if we choose to do so. But a clearer system would help those who can't read small print, who are illiterate, or who aren't educated in basic nutrition. Would it stop you from grabbing that super-sized bag of potato chips, though? I don't know...I mean, after all, when I buy junk food, I usually already know it's junk. What do you think?
Soy nuts good for the heart?
Filed under: Prevention, Nutrition
Soy is one of the more well-known health foods because it's high in protein and low in fat, particularly of the saturated variety. So it comes as little surprise that studies have shown that soy nuts are good for the heart -- specifically, they help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, especially in women. Soy nuts are those tasty little things you find in the healthy section of your supermarket. I love them, and they make a great snacking substitution to chips and other junk food. I've even heard that some of them are coated in chocolate but I've yet to find those in my local grocery store.
What do you think of soy nuts?
Tips to Help Control Food Cravings
"Can't find what you are looking for? Try Google Search" Low Calorie Feature Article Tips to Help Control Food CravingsAuthor: Meri Raffetto Food cravings can be triggered by various things including low blood sugar, stress, and other emotional triggers. The best way to take control is to understand how to balance your meals and snacks to avoid the traps that trigger food cravings. 1. Do not skip meals. Eat three meals a day and include snacks when needed. Try not to let more than 5 hours go between meals and snacks. This will help keep your blood sugar stable and avoid getting to the place where you are extremely hungry. Low blood sugar and extreme hunger can be a dangerous combination and almost always leads to overeating. Plan ahead and keep healthy snacks around. 2. Include protein, fat, and carbohydrate at each meal and snack if possible. Instead of bringing an apple for a snack, try having half an apple with some peanut butter or a slice of cheese. This will help keep your blood sugar more level throughout the day. 3. Keep food records. Food records are invaluable to help identify your eating patterns. For example, you may experience sugar cravings every afternoon at 3 p.m. This could mean that you need to eat an appropriate snack at this time or it could mean that what you had for lunch may not have been the right choice. It also could indicate a high stress time for you where a quick break might be in order. 4. Avoid very low calorie diets. Eating less than 1200 calories a day will likely lead to food cravings because it is basically a starvation diet. There are few people who need to be on this low of a calorie level and studies show people who go on very low calorie diets have increased food cravings and can become preoccupied with food. If you are unsure what calorie level is right for you, contact a Registered Dietitian in your area by going to www.eatright.org/cgi/findanrd3.cgi or get a metabolism measurement. Go to www.healthetech.com to find out who can run a metabolism measurement for you in your area. 5. Include whole grain carbohydrate sources with each meal. The fiber content of these foods helps to keep blood sugar levels stable to avoid any blood sugar drops which can lead to food cravings. Look for 3 grams fiber or more per serving on the nutrition label. 6. Clean up your environment! Avoid keeping trigger foods in your house or office if possible. It will be hard to choose healthy snacks when a bag of chips and a package of cookies linger on your shelf. The less temptation you have, the better. 7. Don?t be too rigid! Enjoy your favorite desserts and snacks once in a while. If you completely eliminate them, you will become focused on these foods and end up eating too much. Enjoy your favorite treats once in awhile. Once you have the craving: If you really crave a food (i.e. chocolate), you have two choices: 1. Allow yourself a small portion when you feel the craving (i.e. 2 Hershey kisses a day) or find a substitute (i.e. Swiss Miss sugar free hot chocolate or Chai tea). 2. Try to wait 15 minutes before giving in to a craving. Try to engage in another activity such as journaling, or taking a walk. Sometimes even a 5 minute distraction can help ward off the cravings. If you do give into a craving and eat more than you would have liked, do not beat yourself up. Try to learn from the craving. What could you have done differently to have prevented the craving? Then- Let it go! We are all human. Guilt will only make things worse and we have to allow ourselves learning curves. © Meri Raffetto, 2005 About the Author Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She has developed online weight management programs that focus on a healthy, non-diet approach to weight loss. For more information or to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.... Low Calorie Vegetable SoupLow Calorie Cookie RecipeHigh Fiber Low Calorie Food