This document records the oral and written testimony given at a Congressional hearing on nutrition research and education as carried out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Witnesses included officials from the Department, professors and administrators from various university nutrition programs, and medical doctors. Testimony stressed the expanding role that nutrition is playing and should play in the improvement of the health of Americans. More nutrition research was advocated, as well as more use of such research on the local level, such as through the Cooperative Extension Service and training for local medical practitioners. Increasing nutrition knowledge and action by the public could substantially lower health care costs, and testimony supported Department of Agriculture programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) that aim to prevent low birth weight babies. (KC)

Wheat and Rice in Disease Prevention and Health reviews the wide range of studies focusing on the health benefits and disease prevention associated with the consumption of wheat and rice, the two most widely consumed whole grains. This book provides researchers, clinicians, and students with a comprehensive, definitive, and up-to-date compendium on the diverse basic and translational aspects of whole grain consumption and its protective effects across human health and disease. It serves as both a resource for current researchers as well as a guide to assist those in related disciplines to enter the realm of whole grain and nutrition research. Overall, studies have shown that a decrease in the amount of whole grains in the modern diet is related to a corresponding increase in health problems that are attributed to this all-too-common dietary imbalance. The resulting health issues associated with an over-processed diet, which provides inadequate levels of nutrients from whole grains, may include obesity, diabetes, high blood lipids, chronic inflammatory states, and an excess of oxidative stress. Strength and endurance may also suffer as a result of these nutrient deficiencies, followed by declines in energy and immunity. - Saves researchers and clinicians time in quickly accessing the latest details on a broad range of nutritional and epidemiological issues - Provides a common language for nutritionists, nutrition researchers, epidemiologists, and dietitians to discuss how the action of wheat and rice protect against disease and modify human health - Preclinical, clinical, and population studies help nutritionists, dieticians, and clinicians map out key areas for research and further clinical recommendations

This comprehensive volume presents an approach based on cutting edge clinical science to the integration of healthy behaviors in clinical practice, using three major categories; healthy eating, active living, and mindfulness. Chapters are authored and edited by a select group of national and international experts in their respective fields who have developed these concepts for application in routine practice. All chapters are formatted to provide key learning points and summarized conclusions for easy reference. Topics include the DASH diet, plant based nutrition, the Mediterranean diet, beneficial herbs and spices, fitness, spirituality, meditation, healthy sleep, and disease prevention. Nutrition, Fitness, and Mindfulness will be a useful guide for all clinicians and healthcare professionals encouraging patients to make more thoughtful and healthy lifestyle choices.

Children spend more time at school than anywhere else except home; thus, schools can have a major effect on children′s health by providing a healthy physical environment, serving meals and snacks built around sound nutritional guidelines, and teaching about health, as well as modeling and promoting healthy behaviors. School health services programs involve not only school nurses and focus not only on nursing practice, standards, and performance issues; they also include services and classes to teach students the information and skills they need to become health-literate, to maintain and improve their health, to prevent disease, and to reduce risky behaviors impacting health. School nurses, teachers, administrators, health coordinators, guidance counselors and social workers all join with parents in safeguarding and promoting the health and well-being of school-aged children as a basic foundation for academic success. The Encyclopedia of School Health offers quick access to health and wellness information most relevant to children in America′s K-12 school setting. You′ll find valuable guidance on developmental stages, acute and chronic illnesses, special education, nutrition, crisis response, prevention, and more.

The H.E.R.B.A.L. Guide will greatly assist clinicians in counseling patients about use of herbal and dietary supplements and integrating these supplements into the comprehensive clinical management of common conditions. The opening section offers practical advice on the clinician-patient dialogue about supplements. Subsequent chapters discuss key issues regarding labeling, dosing, regulation, interactions and reactions, efficacy, clinical trials, and the role of each member of the health care team in management of supplements. Major sections present case studies of patients with common conditions and quick reference guides to the use of natural medicines in clinical management of specific disorders.