For Immediate Release:
March 21, 2006

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

March is National Nutrition Month
Healthy eating is key to fighting Missouri's obesity problem

March is National Nutrition Month and a good time to adopt healthier eating habits. Good nutrition is vital to preventing and treating one of Missouri's most serious health issues – obesity.

The theme for this year's National Nutrition Month is “Step Up to Nutrition and Health.”

“Eating right and being physically active are keys to a healthy lifestyle,” said Donna Mehrle, manager of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Program at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “We must step up our efforts to make healthier choices for ourselves and our families. ”

Obesity has increased dramatically in Missouri, nearly doubling in the past 15 years. In 2002, more than 23 percent of Missourians over age 18 were obese, compared to 11.9 percent in 1990. More than half of Missouri adults are overweight, which can lead to obesity.

Obesity is a contributing factor in a number of chronic illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and some types of cancer, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

Last summer Governor Matt Blunt launched the Healthy Missourians Initiative, a statewide plan to fight obesity that emphasizes the importance of efforts to help Missouri residents maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent a number of chronic diseases and live longer, healthier lives.

“We cannot over emphasize the importance of a healthy diet, as well as physical activity, to battle obesity in Missouri,” Mehrle said. “Small steps result in big rewards. Make healthier lifestyle choices today, and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.”

National Nutrition Month was created in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to promote healthful eating by providing practical nutrition guidance and focusing attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits.

The American Dietetic Association offers the following advice for improving nutrition and physical activity:

• The food and physical activity choices you make today - and every day - affect your health and how you feel today and in the future.
• Make smart choices from every food group. Give your body the balanced nutrition it needs by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day. Just be sure to stay within your daily calorie needs.
• Get the most nutrition out of your calories. Choose the most nutritionally rich foods you can from each food group - those packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but lower in calories.
• Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness plus it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
•   Play it safe with foods. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your family safe.

For more information about National Nutrition Month or to locate a registered dietitian, visit the American Dietetic Association web site at www.eatright.org.