Tips offered for National Nutrition Month


Health care centers around the nation are using the slogan "Food and fitness: Health for a lifetime" to promote nutrition and physical activity habits.

The lifetime begins with childhood.

"The reason why we are constantly training on nutrition this month is for our children," said Heather Houseworth, The Memorial Hospital (TMH) community relations director. "This is not just your mother saying eat your fruits and vegetables because they are good for you we really do want to educate the community to help prevent childhood illnesses, especially childhood diabetes."

According to Houseworth, a healthy life begins with the first sign of life.

"Good nutrition helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and successful breast-feeding," Houseworth said. "The sooner you start the better your health."

Well-nourished and active children and teens grow, develop and learn better, Houseworth said.

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored each year by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The month is a call to action that challenges Americans to take responsibility for their food, nutrition and physical activity habits, Houseworth said.

Being physically fit is a habit people should begin.

"Fitness at every age comes from a lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular physical activity," Houseworth said. "Staying fit means you have a better chance for a higher quality of life and perhaps a longer one, too.

"It is easy to stay fit in this part of the country because of the number of activities available."

According to Houseworth, when someone is fit;

Mood is improved, stress is reduced and energy is increased.

The risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes is decreased.

They can feel their best.

They have the physical stre-ngth and endurance to do the things they want to do.

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