Finding the Truth
Volume IV - 2008 - Families
Have You Thought About …………
Have You Thought About …………
Nutrition information is available all around us. When
we make nutrition choices, we want up-to-date,
reliable advice. We can become confused simply
by the many articles, infomercials, ads and internet
sites. Believing untrue or unreliable information can
lead to problems like buying worthless products or
overpaying for common items.
The Internet has become a very popular means
for obtaining information. Web sites exist for
practically every subject and anyone can publish
their opinions and ideas. So, when deciding if a
web site contains reliable information, answer the
following:
Caregivers help teach children about their health
and provide opportunities to develop knowledge
and skills that form the foundation for making
healthy food choices. You need accurate, timely and
appropriate materials like books, songs, pictures,
and hands-on activities that help children learn.
Sources may include local libraries, professional
organizations (American Dietetic Association,
School Nutrition Association, American
Academy of Pediatrics), national organizations
(American Cancer Society, American Heart
Association, National Dairy Council), government
organizations (United States Department
of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control,
Department of Health and Human Services),
state agencies (Bureau for Public Health,
Department of Education, Department of Health
and Human Services, Women’s, Infant and
Children Agency-WIC), universities, colleges and
Cooperative Extension Services.
•
Who is responsible for the site? The tag at the
end of the address, “.gov” or “.edu” indicates
government and university sites which are
usually reliable sources.
•
Are names and credentials of information
providers listed? Many times email addresses or
other ways to obtain more information are given.
•
Are other links with reliable information sites provided? Reputable organizations may provide
links to similar sites to help you get more
information.
•
Is the site updated regularly? Nutrition info
changes so sites should be updated regularly.
•
Is there a fee for information? Most government
and academic sites offer the best information for
free.
•
Be a smart nutrition consumer- your family’s well
being depends on it!
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005
6th Edition, Washington, D.C: U.S.
Government printing Office
January 2005
Team Nutrition, U.S. Department of Agriculture
American Dietetic Association
Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service
Journal of American Medical Association
www.MyPyramid.gov
Dr. Steven L. Paine
State Superintendent of Schools
TIPS
Be skeptical of news stories that
Ask yourself”
• Sound too good to be true;
• Use dramatic words like best, longest,
most, worst;
• Do I rely on just one or two sources of
information?
• Do the sources have education and experience to
• Make vague claims or offer cures for
many health problems;
answer my questions?
• Do the people have a reputation for sound
• Make claims based on testimonials
from people rather than refer to actual
research;
advice?
• Am I buying something I don’t need?
• Is the claim too good to be true?
• Offer a quick fix;
• Push a product
by the person
providing the information;
• Give examples of foods to avoid or
label certain foods “bad for you” or tell
Careful listening and reading will help determine which
nutrition information is valid and true. Rely on information
from government agencies, nutrition departments of colleges
and universities, Cooperative Extension Services, medical
journals or scientific and professional associations.
you to eliminate an entire food group;
and
• Offer advice different from the healthy
eating guide, My Pyramid.
NUTRITION TOOL!
Pyramid-style Toast
Ingredients:
2 eggs ½ cup fat-free milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 slices whole wheat bread
Method:
Preheat skillet over medium heat.
Put eggs, milk and vanilla in shallow bowl, beat with fork until well mixed.
Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
Dip bread, one side at a time, into egg mixture. Place in skillet and cook each side until
golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side. Cut into pyramid shapes (triangles).
Serve warm with fruit spread.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, disability or retaliation. If you require information about this program, activity or facility in a language other than English, contact the USDA agency responsible for the
program or activity, or any USDA office. If you require this information in alternative format (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) contact the USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)
720-2600 (Voice or TDD).
To file a complaint of alleging discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call toll free (866)
632-9992 (Voice). TDD users can contact the USDA through local relay or the Federal Relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
West Virginia Board of Education
2008-2009
Delores W. Cook, President; Priscilla M. Haden, Vice President; Jenny N. Phillips, Secretary
Robert W. Dunlevy, Member; Barbara N. Fish, Member; Burma Hatfield, Member; Lowell E. Johnson, Member; L. Wade Linger, Jr., Member; Gayle C. Manchin, Member
Brian E. Noland, Ex Officio; James L. Skidmore, Ex Officio; Steven L. Paine, Ex Officio