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What this series is about As we age, keeping physically active is essential. It not only improves the appearance of the body, it also prevents the occurrence of health complications in the future. Join the discussion in this series as we research the various programs that can help maintain a healthy body. |
Staying Young (3): Nutrition (a)
New national nutrition standards target chronic diseases
Increase your intake of some key nutrients but cut back on salt and saturated fats to reduce the risk of nutritional deficiency and chronic illness—this is just some of the latest dietary advice from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) released this month by Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing.
The NHMRC’s Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand is a technical report to help nutritionists and other health professionals accurately assess the dietary needs of individuals and groups. The report sets the standard on both sides of the Tasman for all future guidelines and advice about nutrients and how much of them we need. It updates recommendations for daily energy and nutrient intakes for children and adults of various ages—as well as for women during pregnancy and lactation—and is based on the latest and best scientific advice.
Releasing the report officially on 9 May 2006, Pyne said:
For the first time New Zealand and Australia have developed this joint recommendation for the nutrient intakes people need to keep healthy and to reduce their risk of chronic disease. The guidelines make recommendations about how to optimize what you eat to reduce the risk of chronic disease. For example, the new folate values include recommendations for prevention of deficiency and neural tube defects in babies, as well as the prevention of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease.
Recommended intakes for all nutrients can be met by eating from a range of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, reduced-fat dairy foods, lean meats and small amount of fats and oils.
The nutritional advice given in this report will be translated into other publications—to help individuals work out how much food and what variety of foods to eat each day, according to their age and stage of life. The joint publication on Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand is available at http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/n35syn.htm
Parts (b) and (c) of the Nutrition segment will be posted in the June 2006 issues of this newsletter. The discussions will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on nutrient values, and a comprehensive guide to test your nutrition intuition.
Steps to a Healthier You One size does not fit all. MyPyramid Plan can help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. For a quick estimate of what and how much you need to eat, enter your age, sex, and activity level in the MyPyramid Plan box. For a detailed assessment of your food intake and physical activity level, click on MyPyramid Tracker. |
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Spotslights |
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 MyPyramid for kidsGo here to play the MyPyramid Blast-off game and find other materials designed for elementary school-aged children. |
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 Tour MyPyramidTake a tour of the new pyramid in this animated feature. |
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 Inside The PyramidExplore the pyramid to learn about the food groups and to see how much physical activity you should be getting. |
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 Tips & ResourcesLearn how to make MyPyramid work for you. Find a wealth of ideas that can help you get started toward a healthy diet. There are tips for each food group, physical activity, eating out, a sample menu, and more... |
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Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov,
and http://www.mypyramid.gov/global_nav/about.html
Per kind favour of Victor Powell, Webmaster PhD, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The 2006-2007 Health Budget
The 2006-2007 health budget (May 2006) offers funding for measures to streamline food standard approvals that will boost the development of new foods and the international competitiveness of Australia’s $66 billion food industry.
Commenting on the budget release, Christopher Pyne, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, said:
Our food industry’s international competitiveness will improve significantly due to the 2006-2007 budget investment of $2.9 million over two years, and usher in a more streamlined system of food standard approvals through Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FZANZ). This is a win-win initiative. Importantly, consumers will benefit. We can expect new foods, healthier foods and new approaches to food quality sooner.
Consumers will be able to purchase new foods sooner; have greater choice in foods; and offer better input to the food standards system through the Consumer Committee on food regulation matters. As well, greater public safety will be ensured by FZANZ that receives the consumer input.
This is an important change as delays in changing food standards have sometimes held back food industry innovation. Now quicker changes to Food Standards Codes will facilitate greater public safety. Ref: http://www.health.gov.au/
Monika
Monika Bhatia
Project Manager and Editor, Quality4life
31 May 2006
