You are here: Home / News and Spotlights / In the News                                                                                                                                                  Printable Page Vote for Your Favorite App for Healthy Kids! Public voting has begun for the Apps for Healthy Kids competition - part of Let's Move! Test the tools and vote for your favorite application. Voting is open until August 14. Nurture Your Diet, Not Disease July's Agricultural Research magazine highlights the latest USDA research on nutrition and health - and features an article on the best sources of information about nutrition and your health selected by a Registered Dietitian. FDA Seeks Public Comment on New Federal Menu Labeling Requirements A new law will require many chain restaurants to post calorie content and other nutrient information on their menus. Read more about the new law, or find out how to submit comments. Nutrition's Potential to Save Sight Eating healthfully--that is, choosing foods that contain whole grains, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids--may protect against vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other sight-robbing diseases. Computer Fun Helps Improve Girls' Food Choices, Fitness Lively, educational comic strips geared to 8-10 year-old African American girls can help young viewers make better food choices and improve physical fitness, according to ARS research. USDA Debuts Nutrition Evidence Library to the Public Interested in the research that supports the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report? Look to the USDA's Nutrition Evidence Library, which conducted reviews and evidence grading of food and nutrition research. Release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 Advisory Committee Report On June 15, 2010, a Federal Register notice (PDF / TXT) announced the release of the Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010. The public may submit written comments on the Report or attend a public meeting to provide oral comments; see details at DietaryGuidelines.gov. USDA Announces Grants to Help End Hunger in America To help end childhood hunger by 2015, these grants will support Hunger-Free Communities by funding food distribution, community outreach, resource development and other activities. Chefs Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids The First Lady kicked off the "Chefs Move to Schools" program with an event attended by hundreds of chefs at the White House June 4. Watch the video of the First Lady's remarks. Eating Out Increases Daily Calorie Intake Compared to eating a meal or snack prepared at home, a meal or snack eaten away from home adds roughly 134 calories to the daily calorie intake. From the June 2010 issue of Amber Waves. First Lady Launches "Chefs Move to Schools" Program As part of the Let's Move! campaign, this program provides an opportunity for chefs around the country to adopt a local school to help solve the childhood obesity epidemic. Better Beans Mean Better Health for All Can beans be an even better source of iron? Find out how USDA scientists are helping plant growers boost the amount of iron the body can absorb from beans. Looking for bean recipes? Check out the SNAP-Ed Connection Recipe Finder Database. White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Releases Report to the President The Childhood Obesity Task Force unveiled its action plan to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. Read the White House press release. It's Your Time - Celebrate National Women's Health Week! Find tips and links to events and interactive tools that empower women to make health a priority. Also see Nutrition.gov's resources especially for women. May 9-15 is Food Allergy Awareness Week Send an e-card to help those with food allergies "Respect Every Bite." Find more resources on food allergies on Nutrition.gov. Less is More - When Restraining Calories Boosts Immunity Eating a low- or very-low calorie diet can lead not only to weight loss, but improved immune function, too. Show Your Children How to Live a Healthy Life Encourage your child to live a healthy life with these easy tips for "talking the talk" and "walking the walk". Capturing the True Value of Rice The health benefits of brown rice are better understood, thanks to USDA research. See MyPyramid.gov to learn how many servings of whole grain are needed per day. It's National TV Turn-Off Week! April 19-25 marks National TV Turn-Off Week. See links to tips for planning other "screen free" activities with your family. USDA Highlights Efforts to Improve School Meals and Health of Nation's Children Learn what USDA is doing to improve school meals, a priority for renewal of the Child Nutrition Act. Celebrate National Public Health Week, April 5-11 Create your family health history with My Family Health Portrait, an internet-based tool from the Office of the Surgeon General. Save your history and share it with your healthcare provider. Helping Kids Fight Obesity: Best Online Info Sources A review of the best-of-the-best online resources to help kids prevent obesity by encouraging healthy habits and behaviors. Read more in the March issue of Agricultural Research magazine's special issue on childhood obesity. Baby's Obesity Risk: What's Mom's Influence? Mom's pre-pregnancy weight, whether lean or overweight, may influence her child's weight control mechanisms, according to new research from USDA scientists. USDA Joins National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research Nutrition.gov supports USDA's efforts to prevent and reverse childhood obesity, including USDA's new role in the Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), a public-private research collaboration first launched in February 2009. Kids Lose Pounds, Gain Fitness, in Houston Study An intensive, instructor-led course may help kids achieve greater weight control success compared to a self-taught program. Read the March 2010 Agricultural Research magazine special issue on obesity for more. Vitamin D and Calcium Interplay Explored New USDA research underscores the important role vitamin D plays in helping the body use calcium. Find more information on vitamins and minerals. March 8-12 is National School Breakfast Week Find resources, tools and recipes for helping your school, students, or family learn the importance of a healthy breakfast. Survey Shows Gain in Food-Label Use, Health/Diet Awareness More than half of Americans read the food label (or Nutrition Facts Panel) the first time they buy a food product according to new survey data from FDA. HHS Teams Up with Olympic Athletes to Fight Childhood Obesity A new series of public service announcements to promote the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative will be released later this month. Access to Affordable, Nutritious Food Is Limited in “Food Deserts” Many people in the U.S. do not live near supermarkets or other food retailers where they can get affordable and nutritious foods; these neighborhoods are have been called "food deserts." From the March 2010 issue of ERS's Amber Waves. Obama Administration Details Healthy Food Financing Initiative Over $400 million has been pledged jointly by the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Treasury to bring grocery stores and other healthy food retailers to underserved communities across America. USDA Releases Food Environment Atlas Find statistics--down to the county level--on food environment factors, such as access to grocery stores, food prices, community health, and food assistance programs, that shape food choices and diet quality. Cooling Inflammation for Healthier Arteries More evidence that oats are a good choice for heart health: USDA scientists have found that certain compounds in oats can help prevent inflammation in artery walls, leading to lower risk for heart disease. First Lady Launches Let's Move Campaign Let's Move will combat childhood obesity by providing schools, parents, and communities with tools to help kids be active, eat better, and get healthy. Kicking off the launch of Let's Move, President Obama created the first-ever Task Force on Childhood Obesity. Uncovering the Nutritional Value of Oats USDA scientists are learning about a unique antioxidant compound in oats that may lead to heart-healthy nutrition benefits. HHS Secretary and Surgeon General Join First Lady to Combat Overweight and Obesity Coinciding with the release of The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation, the First Lady and HHS Secretary Sebelius have committed to help Americans lead healthier lives through better nutrition, physical activity, and community involvement. FDA Warns Consumers About Counterfeit Alli Potentially harmful counterfeit versions of the FDA-approved weight loss product, Alli, are being sold on the internet. Click on the above link to see pictures of the counterfeit version compared to authentic Alli. FDA Launches "FDA Basics" to Enhance Public Understanding of the Agency Find answers to frequently asked questions about food labeling, food safety, and food storage and handling on the "FDA Basics: Food" Web page. Users can also suggest additional questions. USDA Web Games for Healthy Kids Contest Do you have an idea for a Web-based game to help motivate kids to eat healthier? Learn how you can participate in the Web Games contest and sign up for e-mail updates. Submissions will be accepted starting in the spring of 2010. January 4-10 is Folic Acid Awareness Week All women of childbearing age are encouraged to get adequate amounts of folic acid (400 milligrams per day). Visit the Food and Nutrition Information Center's Pregnancy section to find more resources on folic acid. Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight Find out how to help your child--and family--maintain a healthy weight in 2010 with targeted action steps for making healthier choices. Bacteria Wins First Round Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease There may be new hope for those who struggle with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to USDA scientists, who have created a "good" bacteria that may be able to repair IBD-related damage to the intestinal lining. Shopping for, Preparing, and Eating Food: Where Does the Time Go? Compare how much time is spent doing the above activities among SNAP participants, lower-income non-SNAP participants, and higher income individuals. From December's issue of Amber Waves. Just Enough for You: About Food Portions Looking to watching your weight this holiday season? Learn the difference between a portion and a serving, and find tips for controlling portions at home and when eating out. Roasting Does More Than Enhance Flavor in Peanuts Dark-roasted peanuts have higher antioxidant levels than lightly roasted peanuts, according to new research by USDA scientists. Find out how unsalted, roasted peanuts can fit into a healthy diet at MyPyramid.gov. White House, USDA Launch Initiative to Address Hunger In collaboration with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor initiative aims to combat hunger in our communities. Visit Serve.gov to download an anti-hunger toolkit (PDF|1.1 MB) or to find ways to volunteer service. Dehydration Affects Mood, Not Just Motor Skills Even mild dehydration can cause negative mood, fatigue and confusion, according to new research from ARS scientists. For more information on meeting fluid needs, see FNIC's Consumer Corner. Holiday Food Safety Keep Thanksgiving food-safe with these video tips for storing, preparing, and serving holiday food. USDA Report: One in Seven Americans Short of Food Nearly 15 percent of households (or about 49 million people) in America had difficulty getting enough food to eat in 2008 due to a lack of money or resources. Find more information, including a link to the report, on ERS's Web site. FDA and Bodybuilding.com Issue a Recall of 65 Dietary Supplements Be a savvy consumer and learn more about dietary supplements from Nutrition.gov. Researchers Study Effect of Cinnamon Compounds on Brain Cells USDA scientists are learning how cinnamon extract may prevent brain cell swelling, which can result from stroke or brain injury. Federal Government Launches FedsGetFit Program for Employees This government-wide health and wellness campaign is designed to help Federal employees be healthy and get active. Nutrition-themed tips and activities will be emphasized in November. Research on Childhood Obesity May Help Fight Epidemic Are kids' fast-food combo meals contributing to childhood obesity? Researchers from ARS's Children's Nutrition Research Center evaluated the nutrient content of kids' fast-food meals to determine which ones make the grade. Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents Find simple tips to help kids have a safe Halloween. School Meals Need to Get Healthier: Report The IOM issued new recommendations aimed to improve the nutrition of school meals through changes to the USDA's National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Launches National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) USDA Secretary Vilsack launched the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) with a focus on the role of science and research at USDA. NIFA will replace the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), the Department's extramural research and education agency. Latest Version of USDA's Nutrient Database Released USDA's Nutrient Data Laboratory has updated its popular National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference with over 200 new food entries for Release 22 (to replace Release 21, issued in September 2008). Access this database from Nutrition.gov by clicking on "Look up Calories or Nutrient in Food" in the upper right hand box. Find Nutrition.gov on Twitter Follow us on Twitter at Nutrition_gov! We are providing accurate nutrition and fitness information with links to useful resources. FNIC Launches Interactive DRI for Healthcare Professionals Healthcare professionals can use this interactive tool to calculate an individual's daily nutrient recommendations for dietary planning based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2009 CDC has released the first ever report on fruit & veggie consumption in each state. The report also includes information on policy and environmental support in each state, and on access to healthy foods in communities and schools. Tips for Fresh Produce Safety Find tips for keeping your fruits and veggies safe on FoodSafety.gov's new Web site. MyPyramid.gov Releases MyFoodapedia and 10 Tips Series MyPyramid.gov recently released two online tools to help consumers make healthier food choices. MyFoodapedia provides calorie information on foods in each of the 5 food groups. The 10 Tips Series provides easy-to-follow nutrition education tips. More Matters! Learn More About Fruits & Vegetables Find more resources on fruits and veggies in celebration of National Fruits & Veggies—More MattersTM Month. Check out links to more information on specific fruits or vegetables in Food and Nutrition Information Center's Food FYI section. Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food USDA's new initiative encourages Americans to share ideas for ways to support local farmers and create economic opportunities. Read the News Release. Food "Tattoos" an Alternative to Labels for Identifying Fruit Sticky labels on fruit may soon be a thing of the past. USDA scientists have developed a laser "tattoo" that can be used to identify produce for supermarket checkout lines. How Many Fruits and Veggies Do You Eat? Use the "Analyze My Plate" interactive tool to help build a healthy plate by adding fruits and vegetables to your meal. In recognition of National Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month. Recycling Food Scraps into Gardens USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists are collecting food scraps to create compost for various Federal "green" projects--including the People's Garden Initiative. In the September 2009 issue of Agricultural Research Magazine. September is National Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month Celebrate Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month by adding fruits and vegetables to your diet. Learn how to stretch your fruit and veggie budget. New Technology Prolongs Produce Freshness With funding from USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, scientists have developed a sensor for transport containers that helps to prevent produce spoilage. Younger Consumers Show Less Demand for Fresh Vegetables Younger people spend less money on fresh vegetables than older Americans do, according to data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey. This may affect their desire for fresh vegetables later in life as well. Yum! Flavorful Wraps and Glazes Show Off Fruit and Vegetable Tastes and Textures Scientists from the USDA Agricultural Research Service helped a food company develop paper-thin sheets of edible fruit and veggie wraps that provide flavor and color when added to snacks and entrées. Yum! Flavorful Wraps and Glazes Show Off Fruit and Vegetable Tastes and Textures Scientists from the USDA Agricultural Research Service helped to develop paper-thin sheets of edible fruit and veggie wraps that provide flavor and color when added to snacks and entrées. Medical Cost of Obesity May Be As High as $147 Billion Annually The proportion of medical costs due to obesity rose nearly 3% between 1998 and 2006, according to a new study from the CDC. CDC's LEAN Works! - A Workplace Obesity Prevention Program New from CDC, Leading Employees to Activity and Nutrition (LEAN) Works! is a free, web-based resource that offers interactive tools and tips to help people create effective worksite obesity prevention programs. U.S. Obesity Trends (1985-2008) According to the latest data released by the CDC, the obesity rate in the U.S. continues to grow, with the highest rates of obesity among African Americans. Analyzing Caffeine in Selected Dietary Supplements USDA researchers found caffeine content equivalent of up to two cups of coffee per day in almost half of the dietary supplements they recently analyzed. Read about other new USDA research in the July edition of ARS's Food and Nutrition Research Briefs. FDA Warns Not to Consume Two Liquid "Energy" Products Read the FDA's warning about two energy products recalled due to suspected tampering. Fit Physical Activity into Your Life, Your Way Learn how to use the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to get active your way. Eating Well on the Road Learn quick tips for healthy eating on the road before heading out for a summer vacation. Nutrition Standards for Foods in Schools: Leading the Way toward Healthier Youth Read about the Institute of Medicine's recommendations for improving food choices for school children. Includes links to fact sheets for parents and guardians, and provides tips for getting involved. Exercise for Your Bone Health Did you know that exercise builds strong muscles AND strong bones? Get bone-building exercise tips to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Researchers Weigh In on Debate About Affordability of Highly Nutritious Food Researchers found that, among low-income women, those who ate more healthful diets spent more money per calorie than women who ate less healthful diets. National Leadership for Obesity Prevention and Control Learn about CDC's efforts to reduce obesity through its unique partnerships and leadership activities. Food Policy: Check the List of Ingredients Read about how policies that are meant to improve the diets of consumers may also impact the way food manufacturers formulate their products. From the June 2009 issue of ERS's Amber Waves magazine. May 10-16 is Food Allergy Awareness Week Learn about food allergy, and identify the foods most commonly related to food allergy. For more information, see FNIC's Resource List on Food Allergies and Intolerances. May is National Stroke Awareness Month Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke, and find out how to lower the risk for stroke by leading a healthier lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet. New Data Analysis Shows Possible Link Between Childhood Obesity and Allergies A new study from NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases suggests that reducing childhood obesity may help to prevent allergies. Warning on Hydroxycut Products The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using Hydroxycut dietary supplement products as some of these products may contribute to liver injuries. USDA Posts Frequently Asked Questions About the H1N1 Virus (Swine flu) Find out how you can protect yourself against the H1N1 virus (also known as swine flu). Note that there is currently no evidence that humans can get this virus by eating pork products. Get the latest information on CDC's Swine Influenza (Flu) Web site. New Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID) Available Read about the introduction of the new , which provides estimates of the actual vitamin and mineral content, compared to content claimed on the label, of a representative sample of adult multivitamin/mineral supplements. Studies Reveal How Plants Protect Us from Disease USDA researchers are studying how healthful plant compounds work to fight inflammation and disease. Most Americans Should Consume Less Sodium A new CDC study shows that almost 70 percent of American adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. Consumers Willing to Pay a Premium for Organic Produce Research from the USDA's Economic Research Service indicates that consumers are willing to pay higher prices for some fruits and vegetables. FNS Programs Affected by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is providing assistance to American families via the Federal food assistance programs. Heart-Healthy, Reduced-Calorie Diets Promote Long-term Weight Loss A recent NIH study shows that a healthy diet that is overall reduced in calories--regardless of the proportion of carbohydrate, fat, or protein--can help adults maintain weight loss. March is National Nutrition Month Celebrate National Nutrition Month! Visit the CDC's recently re-vamped Web site for a look at a wide range of nutrition topics. February 21-27 Is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week Learn about the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, and how it may be treated, with this fact sheet. For more resources on eating disorders, visit FNIC's Consumer Corner. Food Choices and Health Indicators A new USDA study shows that consuming more calories from fast food is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) in men and women ages 31-50. When Nudging in the Lunch Line Might Be a Good Thing USDA's Economic Research Service presents a new look at how children may make better food choices in school cafeterias. From the March 2009 issue of Amber Waves magazine. February is American Heart Month Learn more about heart diease and how you can help to protect your heart with diet and exercise. Also includes some specific tips for women. FDA Warns Consumers Against Dietary Supplement Containing Undeclared Drug FDA has issued a warning not to take the dietary supplement Venom Hyperdrive 3.0 as it contains sibutramine, a drug that can pose serious health risks if not monitored by a physician. Recall of Products Containing Peanut Butter due to Salmonella Outbreak The FDA is recalling some food products made with peanut butter or peanut butter paste. Visit the Food Safety Information Center's Web site for the latest updates. January 18-24 is Healthy Weight Week Learn tips for maintaining a healthy weight, including healthy eating tips and a link to information on how physical activity can help. For more information on losing weight, see Nutrition.gov's "Interested in Losing Weight?" subject spotlight. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Adults and Children According to a recent report, almost four in ten adults and one in nine children used CAM therapies, like dietary supplements, in 2007 (the latest year for which data is available). Antioxidant Effects From Eating Almonds Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service showed that eating up to two and a half ounces of almonds daily helped to decrease harmful body chemicals that could lead to cell damage. January 5-11 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help to prevent birth defects. The CDC urge all women who could become pregnant to get 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Learn how to get enough in your diet. UPDATED FDA Warns Against Tainted Weight Loss Pills The FDA is warning consumers not to buy more than 25 different weight-loss pills because they may contain undeclared ingredients that could lead to health risks. See FDA's Questions and Answers for more information. Healthy Holidays The start of a new year often means the start of new habits. A healthy diet and regular physical activity can easily be achieved by making some of these easy, conscious decisions. Caffeine - No Substitute for a Nap to Enhance Memory A new study from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that a short nap is better for enhancing memory than a couple of cups of coffee. National Handwashing Awareness Week (Dec 7-13) Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of illness and infection. Here, find tips for the most effective handwashing techniques. Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas Gift ideas to help your family and friends be more healthy in the new year. Simple Exercise in Children Yields Long-Term Skeletal Benefit New research shows that jumping exercises in early childhood can help to boost bone mineral density in children, with sustained results over several years. Vitamin D-Rich Mushrooms: A Research Success! USDA scientists have found a way to boost the vitamin D content of white, brown, and portabella mushrooms with UV-B light. Can Low-Income Americans Afford a Healthy Diet? Discusses challenges of eating a healthy diet faced by low-income Americans, and provides some facts about food costs and food assistance programs. The Road to a Healthy Life/El Camino Hacia una Vida Saludable The Department of Health and Human Services has released a bilingual (English and Spanish) brochure featuring guidelines for eating a healthy diet and being physically active. Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. November is American Diabetes Month Find facts and figures about diabetes, as well as information on managing and preventing diabetes. For more resources, visit our Diabetes page. MyPyramid for Preschoolers Released USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion recently released this new section of MyPyramid especially for children ages 2-5. Help your preschooler eat well and be healthy with a customized MyPyramid Plan. Study Finds Food Allergies On the Rise in U.S. Children A new CDC study shows an 18% increase over the past 10 years in the number of children who have food allergies. For food allergy resources, see FNIC's Food Allergy Resource List. 5th Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Meeting The 5th meeting of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee will be held February 9-10, 2010, via online Webinar. Written public comments should be submitted by February 3, 2010. Fight Osteoporosis: Bone Up on a Quality Diet A new study suggests that vitamin C may protect against bone loss in older men. Read more about how fruits and vegetables may protect your bones. Food Prices Up 5-6% in 2008 Read about the changes in food prices from 2007 to 2008 for all foods, as well as changes for specific food products. Find tips for how to "Eat Right When Money's Tight" from USDA's SNAP-Ed Connection. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Released The first-ever Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans have been released by the Federal Government. Check the "Be Active Your Way: A Guide for Adults" booklet for tips on how to fit physical activity into your life. Despite Higher Food Prices, Percent of Income Spent on Food Remains the Same On average, Americans are still spending less than 10 percent of their income on food, despite the fact that food prices have increased nearly 4 percent in 2007. Read more in the September 2008 issue of "Amber Waves." Get Smart with Fruits and Veggies! September is Fruits & Veggies--More Matters Month. Find cost-saving tips for adding fruits and veggies to your routine. "Buscador de Recetas" - Spanish Version of Recipe Finder Database Now Available The Food Stamp Nutrition Connection has announced the release of the Spanish version of the Recipe Finder Database. Users can search the database in both Spanish and English for over 400 recipes with nutrition and cost analysis. Use of Nutrition Labels Declining, Especially Among Young Adults According to a recent USDA analysis, food label use is lower today than in 1995, especially for adults ages 20-29. Read more in the September 2008 issue of the ARS magazine, "Amber Waves." FDA Announces Public Hearing on Food Advisory Labeling FDA is interested in receiving comments from consumers about what wording would be most effective in communicating the likelihood that an allergen may be present in a food. These comments will help the FDA assist food manufacturers in using allergen advisory labeling that adequately informs food allergic consumers and their caregivers. The hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2008. Is Dietary Knowledge Enough? Hunger, Stress and Other Roadblocks to Healthy Eating A new report from ERS illustrates how both long-term health objectives and immediate influences, like eating away from home, can drive individuals' food choices. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements Part of the "FDA 101" series, this article describes how dietary supplements are regulated and offers safety tips for consumers. Report Sheds New Light on Food Marketing to Children and Adolescents Read about the results of a new study on food marketing to children and adolescents recently announced by the FTC. Latest CDC Data Show More Americans Report Being Obese The CDC recently released updated information on obesity trends in America (see animated map). Learn which three states have the highest numbers of self-reported obesity. Spice-Rack Favorites Battle Foodborne Pathogens Herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, and cinnamon may offer more than just pleasing flavors. Research suggests that they may also keep food safe by protecting against bacteria. New Spanish Consumer Guide Compares Diabetes Meds The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recently released "Pastillas para la diabetes tipo 2", a Spanish language consumer guide that provides information on how to control type 2 diabetes. CAM and Diabetes: A Focus on Dietary Supplements New from NCCAM, this fact sheet reviews basic information on diabetes with a focus on the safety of selected supplements that are sometimes used in diabetes management. Tangy, Junior-size Fruit Bars from ARS Need a healthy snack? Learn about new flavorful, chewy bars made from apples, pears and other fresh fruit developed in a process by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. Childhood Obesity May Be Leveling Off According to a recent study, the number of overweight children in the U.S. may be leveling off. However, researchers advise that there still needs to be more focus on obesity prevention. Time to Talk About Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Learn about Time to Talk, an educational campaign that encourages patients—particularly those age 50 or older—and their health care providers to openly discuss the use of CAM. FDA Lifts Warning About Eating Certain Types of Tomatoes Though continuing to search for the cause of the recent salmonellosis outbreak, the FDA has determined that tomatoes are safe to eat. Learn more about the outbreak, including what foods you may need to avoid, on FDA's Web site. Nutrition.gov News Feed How Much Time Do You Spend Eating and Drinking Each Day? Learn how much time is spent eating, drinking, grocery shopping, and preparing meals in America from the USDA ERS Eating and Health Module of the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). Plant Foods May Help to Preserve Muscle Mass in Older Adults A new study by USDA ARS-funded scientists suggests that plant foods are not only contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that are keys to good health, but also may help preserve muscle mass in older men and women. Start at the Store: 7 Ways to Prevent Foodborne Illness Seven useful hints to keep in mind when shopping for food that will help keep foodborne illnesses out of your home. Also in PDF|526 KB. Sizing Up Teen Snacking Ninety percent of teenagers eat one or more snacks a day according to a new study from USDA Agricultural Research Service. Find out more about what teens are snacking on and how this stacks up to MyPyramid recommendations. Discover More About Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for maintaining good bone health. Find out how much you need, and where you can get it with this updated fact sheet from the Office of Dietary Supplements. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month There are 1440 minutes in every day…Schedule 30 of them for physical activity. Find tips for being more active, or you can help others by sharing some of your own ideas! FDA Finds Toxic Levels of Selenium in Some Dietary Supplements The FDA and Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc., have recalled the dietary supplements “Total Body Formula” and “Total Body Mega Formula.” Read about FDA's Final Analysis of these products. Reduce Screen Time During Turnoff Week April 21-27 Research shows that children and teens who spend more time in front of the TV, computer, or video screen may be at higher risk for overweight than kids who limit screen time. Learn some helpful tips for reducing screen time. 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans USDA and DHHS announce their intent to establish the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) and invite nominations for the Committee. Nominations will be accepted through May 24, 2008 as instructed in the Federal Register notice. Personal Counseling and the Web May Help You Keep Weight Off A recent National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute study showed that monthly personal counseling and web-based interventions helped adults sustain weight loss. April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) causes abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Find out about foods that can make IBS worse, and ways to make it better. Normal Weight Doesn't Always Equal Healthy Weight A new study shows even normal-weight individuals may have a high percentage of body fat, leaving them susceptible to heart disease or diabetes. Read more about what this could mean for you. Food Label Helps Consumers Make Healthier Choices Comparing items using the food label can help you to choose the best value for your health. Learn about the percent Daily Value, how to decipher confusing claims, and more. Nutrition Basics New from the CDC! Learn about some basic nutrition concepts to help you sort through nutrition research and dietary advice. NEW! MyPyramid Menu Planner Plan menus to meet your MyPyramid goals by searching for foods and beverages you plan to eat. Take a site tour to get started. How to Be Heart Smart at the Supermarket Explore how to navigate nutrition claims and food labels to help you choose healthy foods when shopping. Health-Promoting Foods: From ARS to You! Learn about the many USDA ARS efforts under way to improve the nutritional value of lettuce, tomatoes, grains, meats, and more! Project M.O.M. - Mothers & Others & MyPyramid This new initiative from MyPyramid aims to empower the nutritional decision-makers in every household to model healthy lifestyles and make "family-healthy" food choices. Does Meal Frequency Affect Your Health? Learn about the possible health effects of eating one large meal a day compared with eating three meals a day based on USDA research. Pregnant? Don't Drink Alcohol How much do you or your friends know about drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Find out why you should not drink alcohol during pregnancy in the feature article from the CDC. MyPyramid Video PodCasts The first MyPyramid podcast shows how small steps can add up to real changes in your weight and health. Check back every month for new ones. Nutrition Information for Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish Download posters from the FDA CFSAN to help plan a healthy diet and learn about the important nutrients in fruits, vegetables and fish. 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