Indonesia Occupies the Fifth Rank as The State is Malnutrition in the World

Tempo.co

Indonesia Health Minister, Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih said Indonesia was currently ranked fifth in the nation with global malnutrition. "Ranked fifth for the total population in Indonesia is also the world's fourth largest," Endang said in a press conference after opening a national seminar at Balai Kartini Jakarta, Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

Endang said that the number of children under five who are malnourished in Indonesia is currently around 900 thousand inhabitants. This amount is 4.5 percent of total Indonesian children under five, ie 23 million inhabitants. Malnutrition areas scattered across Indonesia, not only the eastern part of Indonesia.

To resolve this problem, Health Minister invited all stakeholders from governments, international agencies, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and community to give priority to improving food and nutrition in every policy. This step, he said, should be followed by implementation of good and proper evaluation.

Endang also admitted that he would coordinate with other ministries to overcome this problem. "We will ask the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare to collect the ministries related to the food problem in order to synergize and work together to solve the problem of malnutrition," he said. The Ministry is Endang is Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry, and Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

Source: Tempo.co

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2:54 PM | 0 comments

Donut Day: A Time To Protest Nutrition Efforts?

Ready those cop-slash-confectionery punchlines: Today is National Donut Day. And yes, it's a real thing.

The holiday, which was established by the Salvation Army in 1938 to honor women who served doughnuts in World War I, is typically celebrated with deep-fried freebies.

But this year, one group is trying to make it political.

The Competitive Enterprise Institute, a non-profit group that says it stands for free markets and limited government, is calling for people to eat not one, but two doughnuts today. The idea? To protest what it described in a statement as the "government meddling in Americans' nutritional choices."

"Given the growing government attempts to regulate the childhood obesity problem, we thought this deserved some light-hearted attention," said Sam Kazman, general counsel for the group.

Ultimately, however, he said the issue was serious.

In a phone interview, Kazman called out government efforts to curb salt use. He described Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative as "overreaching" and said it was based on shaky science, citing a recent Task Force on Childhood Obesity report that says the rapid increase in childhood obesity has slowed. But that same report showed that obesity has more than doubled among adults and tripled in children in the last 30 years.

"We're not saying there's not a problem here," Kazman said. "But for the government to be using childhood obesity as the basis for the wholesale reordering of American lifestyles is a constitutional stretch."

Dr. Marion Nestle, a professor in New York University's department of nutrition disagreed, saying that she believes an important function of the government is to advice the public on healthy eating.

"I wonder why people think it's funny to engage in risky health behavior just to show how independent they are," she said in an email. "Eating two donuts once in a while is not going to hurt anyone. But making a daily practice of eating lots of junk food might well lead to problems later on."

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

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7:32 PM | 0 comments

Common sense needed in childhood nutrition guidelines

By Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)

We can all agree that childhood obesity in America is a serious problem, and I commend the First Lady for addressing it directly in her “Let’s Move!” campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. It is a worthwhile and attainable goal and one that I support.

However, lima beans, peas, corn and potatoes predate any kind of childhood obesity epidemic and needlessly attacking them gets us no closer to fixing the issue. What we need is a solution, not a scapegoat.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” serve as the basis for school nutrition standards. The dietary guidelines list potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D as “nutrients of concern in American diets,” because people aren’t eating enough of them.

Somebody, somewhere in the USDA, didn’t get the memo.

As a mother and grandmother, I want the best nutrition for my family. As a Member of Congress, I want to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. Fortunately, better nutrition and financial responsibility are not mutually exclusive, especially when it comes to the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

In proposed standards for the school breakfast and lunch programs also issued by USDA in January, a curious thing happened: nutritional recommendations were made that had no basis in science. Instead, recommendations were based on variety and cloaked as nutrition.

How else would you explain the arbitrary limitation of lima beans, peas, corn and potatoes to one cup per week per student in the school lunch program and the complete elimination of them in the breakfast program?

Lima beans are one of the best sources, if not the best source of dietary fiber. Potatoes are the best source of potassium, more than bananas. USDA’s recommendations went beyond those of the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine.

One assumption frequently heard that cannot go unchallenged is that all potatoes in schools come in the form of French fries. The truth is they don’t.

Food service technology has made marked improvements over the last decade and most “fries” these days are baked. In fact, of all potatoes served in middle and high schools, only about 15 percent of them are in the form of French fries that are actually fried. In elementary schools, that number drops to about 11 percent. Most school kitchens don’t even have fryers anymore.

At less than $0.05 per serving, the result is an affordable, nutrient-dense food that kids love and that won’t end up in the trash can. Even more, because they are so affordable, serving them allows schools to have greater flexibility for other nutritious menu items.

The proposed changes to the breakfast and lunch programs would have a number of unintended, yet very real consequences. By USDA’s own estimation, the increased costs of the proposed menu changes would be $0.50 per school breakfast and $0.14 per school lunch. Nationwide, this translates to $6.8 billion of increased costs over five years, the bulk of which are associated with this vegetable limitation.

These are real costs that will be only partially offset by the Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act passed by the previous Congress that increased the reimbursement rate by $0.06 per meal. The resulting cost difference will be thrust upon the participating schools to make up at a time when they do not have extra funds. 

USDA expects that the difference in cost will be bridged by state funds and by raising the price for school meals for those children who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals. At its core, USDA’s recommendations would amount to an unfunded mandate. Even worse and not acknowledged by USDA, the increased prices for those kids paying the full price of the school meal will result in fewer participants in the breakfast and lunch programs, undermining the original intent to deliver nutrition to those most in need of it.

There is concern that some schools may discontinue the programs — particularly the breakfasts — if the proposed changes are too cost prohibitive. 

To remove or limit vegetables from schools that our children and grandchildren actually like and will eat is simply misguided. But to make it more difficult for our schools to provide the best nutrition to those most in need of it is more than misguided, it is irresponsible. Fortunately, there is still time for USDA to do the right thing.

Source: thehill.com

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10:49 AM | 0 comments

Triathlon training: Nutrition tips for triathletes

D. Benjamin Satkowiak*

 

Triathlon competition is a physically demanding sport. The body, in effort to keep itself in optimal working condition, relinquishes its precious resources, sapping the life out of even the fittest competitor. Because of this, the nutrition plan of a triathlete must be adequate in conditioning the body, and its systems, for the physical turmoil.

A triathlete can expect to burn anywhere from 4,000-5,000 calories during a single event. During training, the amount is slightly lower, from 2,000 to 3,000 calories, per session. As such, nutritional needs need to be increased accordingly.

The following tips can help improve a triathlete's competition and training, by allowing for greater, more efficient use of energy.

1.) A.M. Nutrition, pt.1: Eat a pre-workout meal at least 2 hours before training, in order to allow for proper digestion.

2.) A.M. Nutrition, pt.2: Approximately 1 hour before your workout, ingest something small, containing carbs, such as an orange or apple, with a handful of nuts or granola.

3.) Hydration: During training or competition conditions, replenishing the body at frequent intervals is necessary. Attempt to drink 4-5 ounces of fluid approximately every 20 minutes, if at all possible.

4.) Avoid Deficits: Approximately every 30-35 minutes, ingest solid calories, such as a sports nutrition or protein bar. If you go too long without substantial amounts of nutrients, your body will become weak and sluggish.

5.) Avoid Painkillers: Many athletes feel the need to take pain relievers, such as Advil or Tylenol, before endeavors, in order to avoid fatigue symptoms. Doing so can cause undue stress on the kidneys.

6.) Stick With The Plan: Stay with what you know. Refuse food and drink you don't normally consume. Never try it on race day.

7.) Carb Loading: The night before an event, store up whole-grain, low-glycemic carbs, such as pasta, or rice. Look to consume several small portions, spread out evenly, every hour for the last 3-4 hours before bedtime.

8.) Fight Waste: Avoid high-fiber meals before events. The last thing you need stomach complications on event day.

9.) After Effects, pt.1: Have a carb-rich meal, within 30-45 minutes of finishing, replacing glycogen stores and replenishing your energy.

10.) After Effects, pt.2: Continue consumption of water and sports drinks. Your body will need several hours to recuperate.

Keep these tips in mind as you train. Never underestimate the importance of diet in triathlon competitions. Treat your body like a Porsche engine and fuel it with the highest-quality ingredients.

*The author, D. Benjamin Satkowiak, is a successful business entrepreneur and personal trainer. All information herein is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult a physician before starting any workout or nutritional program.

source: sports.yahoo.com

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12:46 AM | 0 comments

National Action Plan for Food and Nutrition 2011-2015

Nutritional state of society has shown a trend that is getting better, this is shown by the lower prevalence of malnutrition among children under five or infants with low weight. Cases of malnutrition among children under five as measured by the prevalence of underweight children under five, and malnutrition are used as an indicator of hunger, because it has strong links with the state of food insecurity in society. Another indicator of hunger is an average rate of energy consumption in the population under 70 percent of the nutritional adequacy. These conditions have a significant impact on the achievement of other goals, such as child mortality and access to education.

This action plan aims to become a guide in implementing food and nutrition development for government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private institutions, society and actors at national, provincial and district / city. Minister of Planning / Head of Bappenas stated there are five pillars of food and nutrition development, including: (1) Improvement of public nutrition (2) the accessibility of food, (3) quality and food safety, (4) clean and healthy lifestyle behaviors (PHBS); and (5) institutional food and nutrition. Furthermore, the provincial government will develop regional action plan for food and nutrition (RAD-PG) with the district and the city this year as a follow-PG preparation of the NPA.

www.bappenas.go.id

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8:25 PM | 0 comments

US restaurants may soon have nutritional facts printed on menu

The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is keen to have manufacturers show the nutritional facts on restaurant menus.

In response to the growing concerns with respect to health issues, the US FDA has issued two proposed regulations regarding calorie-labelling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, retail food establishments, and vending machines.

"These proposals will ensure that consumers have more information when they make their own food choices," said department of health and human services secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

"Giving consumers clear nutritional information makes it easier for them to choose healthier options that can help fight obesity and make us all healthier," she added.

Specifically, consumers would see calories listed in restaurants and similar retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name and offering for sale substantially the same menu items.

According to the proposal, these establishments will include fast food joints, bakeries, coffee shops and certain grocery and convenience stores. Movie theatres, airplanes, bowling alleys, and other establishments whose primary purpose is not to sell food will not be subject to this proposed regulation. Additionally, the proposal has invited the public to comment on whether more types of food establishments should or should not be covered by the new rule. A companion rule proposes calorie posting for food sold in vending machines. The FDA is accepting comments on both proposed rules.

"Americans now consume about one-third of their total calories on foods prepared outside their home," said Margaret A Hamburg, MD, FDA Commissioner, "While consumers can find calorie and other nutrition information on most packaged foods, it's not generally available in restaurants or similar retail establishments. This proposal is aimed at giving consumers consistent and easy-to-understand nutrition information."

The initiative, under the Affordable Care Act, requires the disclosure of calorie and other nutrition information in certain food establishments and for certain foods sold in vending machines.

Additionally, on menus and menu boards, statements would be posted concerning suggested daily calorie intake and indicating that additional nutrition information is available on request. Under the proposal, this information would be displayed clearly and prominently on menus and menu boards, including menu boards in drive-through locations; and for individual foods on display. Consistent with the law, the agency is proposing that the following statement on daily caloric intake be on menus and menu boards to help consumers understand the significance of the calorie information in the context of a total daily diet: "A 2,000 calorie diet is used as the basis for general nutrition advice; however, individual calorie needs may vary."

www.fnbnews.com

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10:02 PM | 0 comments

120 Malnutrition Found Post-Tsunami Mentawai

Dr. Louisa A. Langi, MSi is a humanity volunteer from NGO Mitra Indonesia when conducting surveys and data collection on ten points after the earthquake in Hamlet Rua Monga, Taikakok Muara Village, North Pagai find any cases of children with malnutrition and malnutrition.

Lecturer of Medicine at one university in Jakarta, the detailing, there were 40 cases of malnutrition and 80 cases of malnutrition.

One of the severely malnourished two-year-old died, after being in care at the Health Center of North Pagai, Mentawai Islands.

According to him, many found malnutrition in Mentawai aftermath of the tsunami, but the initial phase when humanitarian volunteers working in the medical field, seemed impressed by the local government cover-up.

The children must be helped and we need a clear statistical data. But the data is sometimes covered up the Mentawai government.

"We're here to run a humanitarian mission," said Louisa, accompanied by the local health center physician, Angela Puspita told reporters after handing over 80 units of BNPB Huntara to the local Regency in Hamlet Rua Monga.

So, it asks each shoulder to shoulder in handling cases of malnutrition and malnutrition, and no other purpose than volunteers to deliver the actual conditions to the public.

He explained that the cases are found in North Pagai, South Pagai, hamlet Silabu, Bitumonga, Bulok, Munte Recently, Malakopak and a number of other locations.

Efforts to monitor the condition of the local community, they visited hamlets and villages where the earthquake and tsunami victims temporary residency, even in extreme weather conditions though. 

Health workers are still needed today because the people who live together in Huntara still less, ranging from doctors, midwives, nurses and others.

While there were 10 points health posts in Sikakap, at each point that victims of the earthquake and tsunami are getting health care.

"Right from the data that we found, only one victim died of malnutrition," said Head of Disease Control & Environmental (P2PL), Mentawai District Andrew Budi, told reporters at the North Pagai 5.5 KM.

According to him, sometimes finding volunteers, there are also differences with the findings of the local health medical team, but the same goal.

Meanwhile, malnutrition indicators must be viewed from weight and height and age of the sufferer, unpredictable-guessed by naked eye and require intense communication from the victim's parents.

Precisely that, in conducting the data collection to victims of the tsunami through intense communication, because it is not easy and required caution.

Related, one would be wrong one way communication means, so use the services of the original officers Mentawai people, with so they can know the actual condition.

According to Budi, local health officials conducted a survey on 200 infants and toddlers, and their current condition began to improve, because it was given supplementary food.

"The their development are also monitored by officers in the ten point Huntara," she said, adding, other diseases Inspection acute respiratory infections (ARI), skin diseases and others that on average there were 10 to 15 patients.

The condition is, of course due to a number of factors among them, because of the weather, sanitation, latrines are less well during the evacuation and in Huntara.

Meanwhile, Angela Puspita a doctor on duty at the health center Mentawai added, malnutrition victim who died was aged 2 years.

The condition of the victims when handled very alarming, because the toddler she was only given water and food that is not feasible by his mother.

"We've tried to give the best for the baby in Taikakok, but his life was not saved. Because it is a very bad condition, "said Angela.

She explained that the severely malnourished in Taikako is one of 40 severely malnourished Mentawai earthquake and tsunami victims. But after getting a serious handling of health personnel who served in the Mentawai for two months, their condition began to improve.

"Right now their condition began to improve. Because the development of the children we always watched, "explained Angela and said, served in the Mentawai is not easy, because confronted by extreme weather. Moreover, one village or another village to go through the ocean.

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9:33 AM | 0 comments