Extension Notes …

Posted October 29, 2014 at 2:53 pm

Multivitamins and you

Source: Ingrid Adams,

UK Associate Extension Professor Nutrition

and Weight Management

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Today, multivitamins and minerals marketing campaigns claiming to improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic disease constantly bombarded us. Just look around your supermarket. Chances are multivitamins and mineral supplements have their own section.

Dietary supplements are a multibillion-dollar industry. In 2012, dietary supplement sales reached $11.5 billion. In a 2013, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported more than half of all U.S adults have taken a dietary supplement in the past month. The 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed 34 percent of children and adolescents take a vitamin or mineral supplement.

While our food supply in America is abundant, many of us don’t get the recommended nutrients we need, and we tend to consume way too much added sugar, refined grains, sodium and saturated fat. More than 50 percent of Americans suffer from chronic diseases because of poor food choices.

Should everyone take a multivitamin for better health? Are vitamins and supplements needed? Which ones should you choose?

Many American diets are lacking in potassium, fiber, calcium and vitamin D. Potassium and fiber help with heart health. Fiber is important for health and digestion and helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity and constipation. Calcium keeps our bones strong, and vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus. By consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein and fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy, you can increase your intake of the nutrients lacking in the American diet and improve your health.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the best way for you to reach optimal health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases is by eating a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods. The academy also says additional nutrients from supplements may help some individuals meet their dietary needs or treat a diagnosed nutrient deficiency. Multivitamins and minerals can help fill dietary gaps, but if taken in excess, may result in the consumption of some nutrients above recommended levels.

You should always let your doctor or dietitian know the types of supplements you are taking and always remember that the best nutrition-based strategy for promoting optimal health and reducing the risk of chronic disease is to wisely choose a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods.

For more information and tips on getting more nutrients into your diet, check out the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension publication FCS3-573 “Hungry for Change: Getting More Nutrients into the American Diet,” available online at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/FCS3/FCS3573/FCS3573.pdf or through your local Extension Office. For more information about health and nutrition activities offered through Extension, contact the Clinton County office.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Homemakers denim

and shoe drives

‘Blue jean, Go green’ denim drive

Cotton “Blue Jean, Go Green” denim recycling program collects unwanted denim and through a partnership with Bonded Logic Inc. transforms it into UltraTouch Denim Insulation. As a result, fewer textiles are sent to landfills-reducing the amount of waste. A portion of the insulation is given to communities in need to assist with building efforts. GOT DENIM? WE WANT IT!! Jeans with or without embellishments and of any color and condition are accepted, including scrap material.

Shoe and footwear drive

The Clinton County Homemakers are collecting new and gently used shoes to share with adults and children in need throughout our community. Accepting: Men, Women, and Children shoes … athletic, running, dress, heels, pumps, sandals, work boots, cleats, dance, flip flops, just as long as they are new or gently worn. Preparation: Clean shoes (no mud) with soles and body that have no holes, laces intact. We ask that you tie the pairs together using the laces or rubber band in pairs.

Denim and shoes can be dropped off at the Clinton County Extension Office, 2601 North Hwy. 127, any time between now and November 4th. The Extension Office is open 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with lunch from 12:00-1:00 p.m. If lunch time is best for you, please call ahead and we will make sure someone is available to receive your donations. However, Clinton County Extension Homemakers will gladly accept your denim and shoes during our Drive-Thru Event on Tuesday, November 4th from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Members will meet you at your vehicle to receive your items. Everyone who donates denim or shoes will receive a recycled denim pencil as a small token of appreciation! For more information, contact the Clinton County Extension Office at (606) 387-5404 or christy.nuetzman@uky.edu

Me and My PAL

The Clinton County Extension Office will offer Me & My PAL for parents and children up to age five on Friday, October 31st from 9:00-10:30 a.m. featuring hands-on learning activities in math, reading, and nutrition, games, recipe sampling, and more. The class is free, but pre-registration is requested. For more information, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404.

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.