Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
4/6/04
For immediate release
Contacts:
Lynn Allen, Lighten Up Iowa Coordinator, (515) 707-1832, lynn@iowagames.org
Tim Lane, Iowa Department of Public Health, (515) 281-7833, tlane@idph.state.ia.us
Ruth Litchfield, Ph.D.,R.D., ISU Food Science and Human Nutrition, (515) 294-9484,
litch@iastate.edu
Diane Nelson, ISU Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-3178, dinelson@iastate.edu
Lighten Up Iowa Participants Already Making Small Steps
AMES, Iowa -- Move over SuperSize, Iowans are already reducing their serving sizes. A random survey of 657 Lighten Up Iowa participants found that nearly three-fourths of them are already consuming regular or smaller portions instead of larger, super-sized portions when eating out. Lighten Up Iowa is a program of the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Games and Iowa State University Extension.
"Consuming smaller portions is just one of the 'Small Steps' that Iowans can make to establish healthier habits and lifestyles," said Ruth Litchfield, Iowa State University Extension nutritionist. "It is difficult, if not impossible, for many people to make dramatic lifestyle changes. But small changes can produce big results."
Physical activity is another example. According to the Lighten Up Iowa survey, 73 percent are participating in physical activity away from work; 75 percent are participating in moderate physical activity.
'Small Steps' is a health-promotion campaign sponsored by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The department's definition of a healthy lifestyle includes:
* Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole
grain products -- and be sure to control portion sizes.
* Get physically active at least five times a week, for thirty minutes or
more.
* Avoid tobacco and illegal drugs altogether.
Litchfield suggests these 10 Small Steps to get you started.
1. Walk to work.
2. Use fat free milk instead of whole milk.
3. Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
4. Walk during lunch hour.
5. Drink water before a meal.
6. Eat leaner red meat and poultry.
7. Eat half your dessert.
8. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
9. Take a family walk after dinner.
10. Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
Visit the Small Steps and Lighten Up Iowa Web sites for more information:
http://www.smallstep.gov/index.html
http://www.lightenupiowa.org
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