April 19, 2005
Following are Purdue University experts who can talk about the new food guidance system that will replace the food pyramid announced by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Denise Austin, a member of the President's Physical Fitness and Sports Council today (April 19) at 10 a.m. EDT.
Purdue experts can discuss new food guidance symbol, system
Connie Weaver, distinguished professor and head of Purdue University's Department of Foods and Nutrition, can talk about the nutritional recommendations that went into the new food guidance system. Weaver was part of the 13-member committee that compiled the science-based report that guided the USDA for the sixth edition of "Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans," released Jan. 12. Replacing the food pyramid will be a new symbol that will be the method the USDA will use to translate the report to people about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
Weaver also can talk about research at the Purdue Botanical Center for Age-Related Diseases, which just received $6 million in additional funding to continue its research
CONTACT: Weaver, 765-494-8231, weavercm@purdue.edu
Roseann Lyle, professor of health, kinesiology and leisure studies, researches women's health issues (mostly activity and nutrition related) throughout the life span. Lyle is a faculty participant in Purdue's Gerontology Program and Center on Aging and the Life Course. She is leading the creation of the Living Well After 50 Coalition, which will focus on the health of individuals older than 50 in Tippecanoe County. Lyle also is a spokesperson for the Council for Women's Nutrition Solution.
CONTACT: Lyle, 765-494-3158, rlyle@purdue.edu
Donna Vandergraff, coordinator of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences, can talk about food safety, nutrition and stretching limited food resources. Vandergraff also coordinates a Purdue "Have a Healthy Baby" program, which teaches pregnant teens and adults about nutrition and prenatal care.
CONTACT: Vandergraff, 765-494-8538, vandergraff@cfs.purdue.edu
Related Web sites:
Foods and Nutrition
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
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