Category: Health & Nutrition

Shopping for Health: Yogurt (FSHN1201/FS185)

Figure 1. Yogurt selection in the dairy aisleYogurt has become a popular item in the American diet and has taken over the majority of the dairy section in many stores. Have you ever wondered what yogurt is, what its health benefits are, or what the differences are among the types of yogurts? Read this 4-page fact sheet to find the answers to these questions and to learn more about yogurt. Written by Stephanie B. Meyer, Ada Medina-Solórzano, and Wendy J. Dahl and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs185

Shopping for Health: Guide to Frozen Meals (FSHN1202/FS186)

Frozen food aisleBusy schedules, limited cooking space, or a lack of kitchen equipment may limit what you eat at meals. But with the large variety of frozen meals that are now in grocery stores, it’s possible to expand your food options and still eat tasty and healthy meals. The key is to know what to look for when you are shopping. To learn how to choose delicious meals that meet your taste preferences and your health needs, read this 3-page fact sheet written by Sarah A. Glenny and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs186

Teens and Sleep (FAR1219/FM477)

teen boy sleeping“Keeping up with the daily schedule of a teenager can be exhausting. However, they are often the ones who are truly suffering! …” This transcript of a two-minute Family Album Radio broadcast was published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fm477

Identification of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, and Poisonwood (ENH886/EP220)

Figure 2. Poison ivy leaves (consisting of three leaflets) and flowersFlorida parks and woodlands are favorite places for many people who enjoy outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the native plants poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood can make these outings a miserable experience. All four contain urushiol, a plant oil that can cause a severe skin rash (dermatitis) when any part of the plant is contacted. Allergic reaction can occur directly by touching the plant or indirectly by coming into contact with the oil on animals, tools, clothes, shoes, or other items. Even the smoke from burning plants contains oil particles that can be inhaled and cause lung irritation. This 6-page fact sheet helps individuals learn to identify these plants in order to avoid contact with them. Children should be taught to recognize these plants, particularly poison ivy, as it is by far the most common. Written by Sydney Park Brown and Patricia Grace, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep220

Hydration in Hot Working Environments (FCS80018/FY1325)

Figure 1.Are you at risk for heat-related illnesses? Summertime isn’t the only time you should be concerned about drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Workers in construction, landscaping, laundry, factory, farm, or restaurant settings, among others, often are faced with hot working environments year-round. These conditions can increase the risk for developing heat-related illnesses, so staying well hydrated is very important. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Jeanine Beatty and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1325

A Guide to Meal Replacements (FCS8998/FY1283)

Figure 1. Meal replacements are snack-size foods with the same amount of nutrition as a full meal. These foods are a great way to get the calories and nutrients you need when eating a meal is not possible.Many older Americans have problems eating enough to get the calories and nutrients needed for good health. Multiple factors such as disease, money, physical conditions, and access to food and food preparation areas can affect your nutritional status. Consuming meal replacements is one way to offset the effects of these factors. This 3-page fact sheet will help you decide if meal replacements are right for you. Written by Lauren Headrick and Linda B. Bobroff and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1283

Prevent Osteoporosis: Catch the Silent Thief (FCS8145/fy469)

Figure 1. Osteoporosis means porous bones—bones that have so many openings (pores) that they can easily crush or break.About 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men over age 50 will have a bone fracture caused by osteoporosis in their lifetimes. Many of these fractures, especially in the spine and hip, cause pain, disability, and loss of independence. About 24 percent of people aged 50 and over who have a hip fracture die in the year following the fracture. Learn more in this 8-page fact sheet written by Linda B. Bobroff and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy469

Facts about Calcium (FCS8703/FY216)

teacup of milkCalcium is the major mineral found in our bones and teeth. Along with phosphorus and other nutrients, calcium builds the hard structure that makes bones and teeth strong. We also need calcium for proper muscle and nerve function, blood clotting, and other body processes. These functions are so critical that calcium is taken from the bones to maintain blood calcium if dietary calcium is inadequate. This 3-page fact sheet was written by L. B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy216

MyPlate Foods to Increase: Whole Grains (FCS80005/FY1297)

Whole grain breadA higher intake of whole grains is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and distribution of fat around the abdomen, but only 7% of American adults meet the recommended intake. This 3-page fact sheet provides information on whole grains and their health benefits as well as how to include whole grains in your diet. Written by Jonathan Holzinger and Karla Shelnutt, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1297

Healthy Eating: Change Up Your Breakfast! (FCS80006/FY1298)

Top a whole grain bagel with low-fat cream cheese and fresh fruit such as strawberry or peach slices.Are you tired of eating the same breakfast every day? Try a few of these ideas and maybe you’ll find a new favorite! This 2-page fact sheet was written by Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1298

Sick Day Management for Adults with Diabetes Who Take Insulin (FCS8996/FY1281)

Figure 1. If you are sick and have diabetes, it is a good idea to keep a written log of key information to share with your health care provider.When people have type 1 diabetes or have type 2 diabetes and take daily multiple insulin injections, getting a cold or another minor illness can cause their blood glucose levels to go very high. This can result in serious health problems. The best way for people with diabetes to prevent a minor illness from becoming a major illness is to have a personalized sick day plan designed with their health care provider before they get ill. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Nancy J. Gal and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1281

Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes: A Resource Guide (FCS8840/FY933)

Figure 2. If you are at risk for diabetes, lifestyle changes, such as becoming more physically active, can help prevent the disease.The number of people with diabetes is rising at an alarming rate in the U.S., as it is worldwide. Many free resources are available to help people of all backgrounds lead healthier lives and reduce their risk for diabetes. Here are some resources to choose from to help you and your family members begin taking steps to improve your health. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy933

Facts About Minerals (FCS8809/FY891)

Figure 1. What are minerals?If the word “mineral” makes you think of rocks, you’re right! Minerals are substances like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc that are found in rocks and the soil. They also are needed for optimal nutrition. There are 16 different minerals that are known to be needed in our diets. Several other minerals may be needed in very small amounts. It’s important to eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups in order to get all of the minerals in your diet. This 3-page fact sheet was written by R. Elaine Turner and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy891

Raising Healthy Children: Food Allergies (FCS8997/FY1282)

Raising Healthy Children series imageIf your child with a newly diagnosed food allergy, you may feel scared, confused, and anxious. You are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over three million children under the age of 18 have food allergies, and this number is growing rapidly. Food allergies can be caused by many different foods. The symptoms range from a mild skin rash to serious breathing problems. This 4-page fact sheet highlights the causes and symptoms of an allergic reaction, as well as the steps to take if your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy. Also included are recipes and possible changes to your family’s diet that can help make meal time easier. Written by Lauren Headrick, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P. A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1282

MyPlate Nutrition Education Series (FCSDG10TS114/FY1239)

ChooseMyPlate.govAlong with their introduction of MyPlate in June 2011, USDA provided a series of 14 one-page fact sheets to help consumers implement the dietary advice of the Dietary Guidelines 2010 in their daily lives. The USDA added four new fact sheets in December 2011. These fact sheets are being distributed by University of Florida IFAS Extension for use by Extension faculty, health professionals, and consumers in Florida.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1239

Vida Saludable: Interacciones de las medicinas . . . ¿Estoy en peligro? (FCS8621Span/FY675)

ENAFS logoLas medicinas (con o sin prescripción), las vitaminas, los minerales y los suplementos de hierbas pueden interactuar con los alimentos que ingiere y pueden causar reacciones dañinas. Para saber si está en riesgo de interacciones, encierre en un círculo Sí o No para las siguientes preguntas.
This 1-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of “Healthy Living: Are You at Risk for Drug Interactions?” It was written by Jennifer Hillan y Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy675

Vida Saludable: ¿Padecerá Usted de la Diabetes? (FCS8573Span/FY077)

clipboardMillones de estadounidenses padecen de diabetes y ni siquiera lo saben. Conteste este cuestionario para saber si usted está en riesgo de padecer de diabetes.
This 1-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of “Healthy Living: Are You At Risk for Diabetes?” It was written by Linda B. Bobroff y Paulina Wittkowsky, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy077

Los hechos acerca de la fructosa (FSHN1001S/FS184)

Figure 1. El consumo de origen natural forma de fructosa, tales como frutas y verduras, al tiempo que limita el consumo de bebidas endulzadas con azúcar, es un paso hacia la salud.La fructosa es un azúcar simple que se encuentra en muchas comidas. Azúcar común de mesa está hecha por cantidades iguales de fructosa y glucosa. La fructosa es más dulce que la glucosa y por esta razón, ha sido usada en muchos alimentos endulzados.
This 2-page fact sheet is the Spanish language version of “Facts about Fructose.” It was written by Wendy J. Dahl, Lauren Foster y Russel J. Owen, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs184

Commonly Asked Questions about Probiotics and the Potential Benefits for Your Health (MB005)

Probiotics (c)2006 PLoS (Image: Justin Sonnenburg, Jamie Dant, Laura Kyro, and Jeffrey Gordon)Probiotics are living microorganisms that cause health benefits for a treated host, provided that the host consumes a sufficient amount of the microorganisms. This a rapidly expanding area of research and development because they can be added to diets as a form of preventative health care. This 7-page fact sheet answers questions about the history and current research into probiotics and how to select probiotic products. Written by Fiona Desland, Lauren Christiansen, Mafuza Rahman, Karim Khan, Anastasia Potts, Claudio F. Gonzalez, and Graciela Lorca, and published by the UF Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, December 2012. (Image ©2006 PLoS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mb005

Healthy Eating: Salad Suggestions (FCS8696/FY702)

Figure 1. Salad with shredded chicken, various lettuces, sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, sliced orange peppers, radish sprouts, spring onions, and a ginger-cilantro-sesame vinaigrette.Salads are quick and easy to make and have endless possibilities! Paired with whole grain crackers or whole wheat bread, salads make healthy and convenient meals. Try some of the ideas this 2-page fact sheet for your next salad. Written by Jennifer Hillan and Emily Minton, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy702