NETPHD Raises Awareness during National Nutrition Month
Posted/updated on: March 5, 2012 at 7:24 am
TYLER – National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) will focus on encouraging an increase of fruits and vegetables and educating East Texans on the importance of proper portion sizes.
Health District officials say National Nutrition Month also promotes the American Dietetic Association and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information. The theme for March 2012 is “Get Your Plate In Shape.”
“MyPlate is a great tool for helping people be mindful of what foods they should be eating and how much should be on their plate. Our ‘Get Your Plate in Shape’ theme takes it a step further by giving consumers ideas for creative ways to include the food groups, helping them think out of the box to make every meal both healthful and enjoyable,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia Escott-Stump.
According to a Health District news release, “The food and physical activity choices made everyday affect your health and how you feel today and in the future. Eating a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity may reduce chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Furthermore, poor diet and physical inactivity are the most important factors contributing to the rise in obesity in this country.”
On Saturday, Mayor Barbara Bass kicked off the month’s activities with “Walk with the Dietitians” at Rose Rudman Park. The NETPHD WIC Program hosted that event and will also host the following activities in celebration of National Nutrition Month:
3/13/12 – Nutrition Carnival – NET Health WIC Clinic, Old Troup Hwy., Tyler, 10:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
3/14/12 – Registered Dietitian Day
3/16/12 – Nutrition Carnival – NET Health WIC Clinic, 815 N. Broadway, Tyler, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
