Creating healthy places to live, work and play

Food Day is nationally recognized and celebrated annually on Oct. 24. Major health issues such as obesity, chronic illness and hunger are on the rise in the United States, and there is nothing more important than bringing awareness through education to allow people to embrace improving our nation’s food policies. Food Day 2012 is a movement toward healthy, affordable and sustainable food.

Current research shows that this generation will be the first in decades to suffer more premature deaths than their parents, due to the typically poor contemporary American diet that is associated with heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Our current food system revolves around a diet of cheap, salty, overly processed packaged foods, high calorie sugary beverages, and fast food meals created with fatty grain-fed factory-farmed meat.

It is imperative for people to be aware of what they are putting in their bodies, how it affects their health and how they can control their health by making informed food choices. Giving people the knowledge, skills and confidence to make intelligent decisions about food in everyday life will make a difference in the health of the nation.

Everyone can make small changes in their lifestyle to move towards a healthier diet. Take it one day at a time, and don’t give up if you experience a setback.

Here are some challenges to take on as you start your journey towards a healthier lifestyle:

• Try one new vegetable each week.

• Stop or limit the amount of soda pop you consume.

• Each week, enjoy 1 meal made from “Real Food” — food that is healthy, grown locally and by environmentally friendly farming.

• One day each week, eat like a vegetarian.

• One day each week ,have the entire family cook a healthy meal together,

• If you are eating out, order healthier options from the menu (baked/steamed)

Make meals with ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef.

• Completely cut out or eat less red meat.

Check out the official Food Day website: http://www.foodday.org.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County’s Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play (CHP) is funded by the New York State Department of Health. It is a comprehensive program designed to positively impact the wellbeing of Niagara County residents. CHP staff members are working collaboratively with local government, businesses and agencies to put in place policy changes that impact the culture of wellness throughout our area.