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Dietary Guidelines Get Push From Three Top Health Groups

Jan. 14, 2005 - Three of the nation’s largest and best-known health groups have joined forces in a public awareness campaign and the launch of  a Website to help promote the key messages addressed by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which was released this week by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Agriculture (USDA).

The American Cancer Society (ACS), American Diabetes Association (ADA), and American Heart Association (AHA) launched last June a joint public awareness campaign entitled “Everyday Choices for a Healthier Life.” A key part of this effort is a joint Web site, www.everydaychoices.org, features helpful tips and links to more information on healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation and recommended medical tests.   Consumers can also call their hotline at 1-866-399-6789 for more information.

In a statement posted on the Web, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying, “We are encouraged by this new information from the federal government, as the new guidelines are consistent with the recommendations of our own organizations to help Americans lower their risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke through better diets, more physically active lifestyles and improved weight management.”  

AHA said the were glad the new guidelines specifically emphasize:

• Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains;

• Decreased consumption of saturated fats and trans fatty acids;

• The importance of choosing foods full of the nutrients we need;

• The importance of calorie control;

• Regular physical activity.

The organizations have also developed a “consumer-friendly” document, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You. This tool, which provides a quick overview in an easy-to-read format and communicates food consumption in terms of meaningful portion sizes, such as cups or ounces, is a valuable resource for people as they seek direction in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

“Given the extraordinary increase in obesity in this country and compelling evidence that excess body weight increases the risk of many types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke, we would recommend that subsequent consumer materials emphasize the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, said the AHA statement.

“We also commend the Dietary Guidelines Committee for acknowledging that individual behavior change is influenced by many factors outside the control of the individual.   Without promoting meaningful changes in schools, worksites and communities that increase the availability of and access to healthy food choices and opportunities for physical activity, our efforts to create long-term behavior change in individuals are not likely to be successful,” they said.  

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Association's commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).

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