Dairy is Sexy!

Michele Payn-Knoper spending time with a dairy heifer, a species and industry with which she is very passionate about.

With a title like “Science, Soundbytes & Sex Appeal” you know you are in for an attention grabbing night. Indiana’s dairy experts gathered on November 4, 2009, to learn how to put a little pizzazz in their words when speaking about the dairy industry.  This annual Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) meeting hosted by Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, Inc. was held at Purdue University’s Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette. Attendees learned that it is time for Indiana agriculture experts to be proactive in telling their amazing story to the public.  Michele Payn-Knoper, a professional speaker and consult, was the guest presenter during the meeting. She has inspired thousands throughout her career and inspired several more during her presentation last Wednesday night.

Being a registered dietitian and a huge fan of dairy, I know that dairy products are wholesome and nutritious with the nine essential vitamins and nutrients that they provide.  However, the average consumer does not know about these amazing dairy benefits. So, how do they learn about them? How can dairy farmers educate their community about the hard work they do every single day and about the care they give to their animals and land?  Not everyone is blessed with the ability to explain or show how dairy is “sexy,” so that night Michele helped light a fire under everyone in the room by encouraging them to find their passion. In doing so, they will now be able to better inform the media and their neighbors about what they do and why it is such an asset to the community.

The SAP members in attendance brought to the table their wealth of knowledge and experience, combined with a real understanding of the dairy industry. However, they are not always able to share their important story in an appealing way with the public.  So, that is exactly what Michele Payn-Knoper taught them how to do. Now, these experts will be able to more effectively communicate their messages of dairy farm practices and dairy nutrition to consumers.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Junior Broadcaster Winner Awarded!

2009 Indianapolis Colts Junior Broadcaster Winner, Ross Weber with the prizes for him and his school.

Mt. Vernon Middle School student, Ross Weber, was honored last Wednesday for becoming the winner of the 5th annual Indianapolis Colts Junior Broadcaster competition sponsored by the Dairy and Nutrition Council of Indiana (DNCI) and the Indianapolis Colts.

Ross was among 50 finalists, ages 10-14, from throughout Indiana that competed on October 17 at the Colts’ practice complex in Indianapolis.  All 50 contestants called play-by-play action while watching video from a Colts game.  Ross’s play-by-play style was rated the best by a panel of three judges:  WISH-TV8 (CBS) sportscaster Jeane Coakley, American Dairy Association general manager Deb Osza, and Bob Lamey, the Colts’ long-time play-by-play radio announcer. Luckily for the participants, Mr. Lamey also provided tips on how to be a successful sports broadcaster prior to the kids trying their turn at calling plays.

The contest was emceed by Ed Wank and Dave O’Brien of the HANK-FM “Wank & O’Brien” morning show. Along with calling plays, contestants had the opportunity to train like an Indianapolis Colts football player by learning to ‘Fuel Up’ with nutrient rich foods and exercising 60 minutes a day. They got to drink milk and perform practice drills on the same fields that the Colts use every week.

Ross won a bevy of prizes, including tickets to the Colts vs. Tennessee Titans game on December 6, 2009. In addition, he won several fantastic prizes for his school to help encourage kids to, Refuel with chocolate milk, Play 60, and eat nutrient-rich foods to help attain their goals. These prizes included exercise equipment and nutrition wellness information, and they were presented on Wednesday, October 28 by the American Dairy Association during ceremonies held in the school’s auditorium.

ISSMA Competition from the Sidelines

On October 31, 2009 high schools from across Indiana competed in the Indiana State School Music Association marcking band state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Halloween 2009 was not only a day for trick or treating, it was also a day to watch some of the most talented high school music students in Indiana vie for the state marching band championships at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Ten bands in each of 4 classes competed on a number of occasions during October to reach the finals.  So, why are we talking about marching bands on the American Dairy Association of Indiana’s blog?

The American Dairy Association of Indiana and the dairy farm families of Indiana have been the corporate sponsor of the Indiana State School Music Association and the state marching band competition for 18 years.  As an employee of the dairy association and a parent of two former marching band members, I feel I have a somewhat unique perspective on this great event.  Even though fall is marching band season, I know the hard work begins long before, usually in the hot summer months during band camp.  Lots of sunscreen and water are needed then!  There is plenty of behind the scenes action, as well.  Props, uniforms, instruments and accessories all need attention, and this is often provided by parents.  There are a lot more people involved in any marching band than those you see on the field.

But the Indiana State School Music Association 2009 State Marching Band Finals was as thrilling as ever.  This was the 37^th year for this event.  I didn’t get to see all 40 of the bands perform, but the ones I did see were all wonderful, whether there were forty on the field or 140!  After each band performed and exited the field, they were treated with a bottle of ice cold, Prairie Farms milk (strawberry, chocolate, white, or Cravelatte). As you may know, in Indiana, Winners Drink Milk!  The first place band in each class (A being schools with the largest enrollment and D being schools with the smallest enrollment) also receives a $1000 scholarship from the American Dairy Association of Indiana.  The director(s) of these top bands determine the ultimate recipient of this prize.  This year’s winners were Class D – Lewis Cass High School from Walton; Class C – Western High School from Russiaville; Class B – Northview High School from Brazil; Class A – Avon High School.

Congratulations to all of the competitors and I can’t wait to watch the competition again next year!

Chocolate Milk Official Drink of Halloween!

Bone Appetit!

Did you know that Chocolate Milk is the official drink of Halloween? Why, you may ask…because it is Nutrition in Disguise! I know you chuckle because it is a little cheesy, but it is very true. This is one treat that moms can feel good about giving their children on Halloween, or any day, plus kids love to drink it.

Behind its great taste lies a nutritious beverage that is packed with calcium, eight other essential nutrients, vitamin D, protein, phosphorus, and potassium–all those things little ghosts need to be healthy and to grow strong. It contains the same nutrition as white milk.

If you are the type of person who needs some facts:  Experts agree that lowfat chocolate milk – The Official Drink of Halloween – is a tasty way to build strong bones that no one will find frightening. Research published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association confirms that chocolate milk is a healthy beverage for both kids and adults. They found kids who drink chocolate milk tend to drink fewer sweetened soft drinks and fruit drinks, which are the number one source of calories and added sugars in their diet.  They also found children who drink flavored milk or chocolate milk have higher calcium intakes and actually ingest less fat and sugar in their overall diet.

And Moms–Drinking chocolate milk is NOT just for kids. It’s a great way to satisfy YOUR sweet tooth and get the calcium and nutrients YOU need, as well. Chocolate milk comes in many varieties, including reduced fat and lowfat. Did you know that a 1 cup serving of lowfat flavored or chocolate milk has only 2.5 grams of fat per serving? That is the exact amount as in white milk!

So don’t be a ghoul – stock up on chocolate milk to help your family get more of the calcium they need to build strong bones and healthy bodies.

Healthy Halloween Tricks

Chocolate Milk The Official Beverage of Halloween

 

The words “healthy” and “Halloween” don’t appear to fit together in the same sentence. Isn’t Halloween the time when kids run house to house to see how much candy they can gather? Then they come home, dump out their bag of goodies on the floor, and overindulge until they turn green. Any hip ghoul or ghost would turn up their nose at a health bar or apple on Halloween night. Well, if you are the type of parent who is concerned that Halloween isn’t the most nutritionally healthy night for your children, here are some steps you can take to help minimize the “candy craze”. 

 

 

1.)    ‘Real’ food first.  On Halloween night, feed your kids ‘real’ food before they go out and hit the neighborhood streets.  An extra-nutritious dinner before trick-or-treating will help decrease their appetite for sweets once they get home. A meal filled with nutrient rich foods like milk, lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is the way to go! 

2.)    Consider Non-Food Treats.  Handing out treats like small toys is a great way to reduce the amount of candy children eat during Halloween. Plus, they’re fun! Some other ideas are stickers, pencils, playdoh, or bubbles.

3.)    Can Trick or Treating really be exercise?   Believe it or not – yes it can! Make sure children get enough physical activity to burn off excess calories.  Trick-or-treating can be a fun way to incorporate walking.  Plan a few extra loops around the neighborhood. This can tire out kids and prepare them to hit the sack when they get home!

4.)    Set Limits.  Set boundaries with your child on how many pieces of candy they’re allowed to eat on Halloween night.  The ‘come home, dump out all the candy and  have at it’ method is not the best. Allow your children to make their own selections, but tell them they can only pick a few pieces.

5.)    Why not milk?  Serving chocolate milk after trick-or-treating is a great, healthy treat.  It gives kids their chocolate fix that they so desire on Halloween night.  You can even warm up the chocolate milk for a great hot chocolate drink. Milk contains tryptophan which helps people snooze.  (kids included!)

With just a little extra planning , ‘Halloween’ and ‘healthy’ can fit in the same sentence!

World Osteoporosis Day

"Stand Tall - Speak Out" and remember to consume at least 3 servings of dairy every day in honor of World Osteoporosis Day 2009.

Today, October 20, 2009, the American Dairy Association and the National Osteoporosis Foundation are joining bone organizations around the world to celebrate World Osteoporosis Day.  This day serves as a focal point to inform and educate the public about the importance of preventing osteoporosis.

Stand Tall-Speak out for your bones is the 2009 campaign theme of the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s World Osteoporosis Day.  Information about diet, exercise and/or medication is being publicized, and the importance of dairy products is being emphasized. Remember that milk and dairy products provide calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that help build strong bones.

Three servings of milk, cheese, and yogurt will provide an individual approximately 1000 mg of calcium.  Other foods have small amounts of calcium that will help a person receive at least 1200mg which is the recommended amount for calcium daily.

Weight bearing exercise causes stimulation of the bone cells to grow and develop.  This includes walking, running, dancing, and jumping rope.  Everyone needs at least 30 minutes a day of exercise to keep their bones healthy and strong.

Go to www.stepsforstrongbones.org for details on how walking can help your bones.  Children especially need to exercise daily since this is the time for bone growth and development.  The stronger your bones are, the less possibility of stress fractures and broken bones.  So, if you haven’t been exercising and eating as you should, don’t waste any more time and start today in celebration of World Osteoporosis Day!

Family Agritourism Destinations in Indiana

There are dairy farms across Indiana that would love to have you and your family as visitors this fall!

Under the leadership of Governor Daniels and Lt. Governor Skillman, in 2005 the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was created. Its vision is that Indiana agriculture will be a global leader in innovation and commercialization for food, fuel and fiber production. The mission of ISDA is to support growth in Indiana agriculture by devoting  ISDA staff and resources to three strategies: advocacy, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.

Ah…fall in Indiana. Time to breathe in that crisp autumn air, throw on an extra sweatshirt, pack up the family, go jump in the car and explore Indiana’s many fall agritourism destinations! Not sure where to jump in the car and go to? Maybe you could visit a local dairy farm or cheese shop and learn where your food comes from. Your pick of corn mazes, apple orchards, farmers’ markets and other just plain GREAT STUFF for fall can be found in the 2009 Indiana Farmers’ Market, U-Pick and Agritourism Directory.

Locations are organized by county—so that local pumpkin patch where your kids find the perfect pumpkin for carving or where you take the perfect photo of your kids with the fall crops as a backdrop is just waiting for you, and is likely less than a one-tank-trip away! The directory includes a map, fun facts, and other goodies all to help you plan out an afternoon, day or weekend. So hop in the car, then reward yourself upon arrival with some delicious hot apple cider and let the fall festivities with family begin! And no one says that you HAVE to visit a pumpkin patch—go find where the buffalo roam in Indiana. (Seriously, there are five buffalo farms in Indiana.) Follow some of Indiana’s wine trails listed in the directory. Each are made up of several wineries, generally from one region, working together to offer customers a local wine experience. On the way, enjoy a relaxing drive and take in fall’s changing colors on some of Indiana’s most scenic roads nestled in tree covered hills. And when you arrive, you’ll literally taste the delicious fruits from the labor of some of the best vintners in the country.

Ready to get the kids (or your significant other) in the car and go have some fun and create some great fall memories? We hope so! The Indiana State Department of Agriculture in partnership with the office of Tourism Development is proud to offer the 2009 Indiana Farmers’ Market, U-Pick and Agritourism Directory. We hope that you explore our many Hoosier agritourism destinations! Enjoy!

Bone & Joint Decade National Action Week

Doing 30 minutes of weigt bearing exercise, such as running, each day is a great way to help build strong bones.

Movement is restricted by musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, back pain, fracture, osteoporosis, or sports trauma in nearly one in two Americans as well as in many children. Therefore, the United States celebrates Bone and Joint Decade National Action Week.

As part of the worldwide Bone and Joint Decade initiative, U.S. patient and physician healthcare organizations, government agencies, and healthcare industries have come together to improve bone and joint disorder prevention as well as the quality of life for those affected. This goal begins with increased awareness, solid information and increased research.  Much information can be found at the United States’ Bone and Joint Decade’s website.

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent bone condition among Americans with nearly one in two women and one in four men suffering from it during their lifetime. It is debilitating, reducing a person’s freedom of movement, and leads to high incidences of hip and spine fractures. Prevention education is essential to lowering the burden of this silent disease.

It’s been said that osteoporosis is “a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences”.  Getting enough calcium throughout childhood and adolescence helps build strong bones.  Think of your bones as a bank account. They are where you can “deposit” calcium when you’re young so you’ll have enough to draw on later in life. If you don’t get enough calcium to support your body’s critical functions (controlling blood pressure, maintaining heart beat) your body will “withdraw” what it needs from the calcium “bank” in your bones. Frequent calcium withdrawals gradually make bones weak and fragile, leading to osteoporosis.

But calcium can’t do it alone. Vitamin D, aka the “sunshine vitamin”, helps your body absorb calcium from food and helps deposit the mineral into your bones.  Calcium and Vitamin D are quite the dynamic duo, and one place to get both of these very important nutrients is milk.  Having a glass of milk with your meals is an easy way to feed your bones.  Lactose-free milk contains the same great bone-building nutrients of regular milk, too.

One other important bone builder is weight bearing exercise.  These are activities that work your muscles against gravity.  Tennis, power walking, dancing, weight lifting, or stair climbing are are all bone building activities.  Find something that you enjoy doing, and strive to do it for 30 minutes every day. Combining these activities with the consumption of calcium- and Vitamin D-rich foods is sure to lower your risk of experiencing a musculoskeletal disorder during your lifetime. So, don’t waste any time and start improving your health today!

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK is a SLAM DUNK

National School Lunch Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy as an opportunity to highlight the important, positive role of school lunch in our nation and President Obama has given his endorsement to this nutrition initiative, too.  95% of US schools participate in this program with 28 million school kids benefitting daily from this program.  The ’09 program, with the help of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), hopes students will learn about the importance of eating healthy and being active.  The daily campaign, entitled,  ALL-STAR LUNCH,  features 5 “basketball teams”, each comprised of healthy school lunch menu items and coached by a current or former NBA/WNBA player.   

 

The meals promoted by ALL-STAR LUNCH meet standards based on Dietary Guidelines for Americans, meaning they contain no more than 30% of calories from fat, and less than 10% from saturated fat.  Also, the school lunches provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories.  Furthermore, remember that these meals are served in age-appropriate serving sizes meaning you get the amount of food that your body needs!

 

ALL-STAR LUNCH is a slam-dunk to help teach students about the importance of eating a balanced lunch, including a delicious, nutritious icy cold container of flavored or white milk, and getting physically active.   Milk provides us with NINE essential nutrients active bodies need and the protein in milk helps build muscle so milk is a definite slam-dunk for healthy kids. 

 

For more info, go to allstarschoollunch.org, the official ALL-STAR LUNCH website, for nutrition info for kids, including all-star trading cards and much, much more.

Why Drink Flavored Milk?

Kids are in a calcium crisis, so we need to find creative ways of helping them get at least 3 servings of dairy a day.

            Kids are in a calcium crisis with more than half of children ages 2 to 8 and three quarters of children ages 9 to 19 not getting the recommended daily servings of dairy or dairy products. Children need at least three glasses of milk or the equivalent of another dairy product a day to get the bone-building calcium and nutrients needed for growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that parents and schools offer low-fat white or flavored milk as a healthy alternative to soda and fruit drinks. Flavored milk is a nutritious option for children who might not drink white milk or simply prefer the taste.

            The uncertainty about offering flavored milk to children is due in part to concerns about added sugar and calories. In reality, flavored milk does contain added sugar, but nearly half of the sugar in flavored milk is naturally present. It also contains less added sugar than beverages that children often consume, such as soft drinks. Typically, eight ounces of low-fat flavored milk contains 4 teaspoons of added sugar while the same amount of fruit punch contains 6 and the same amount of soda contains 7. Research from the Nutrition Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that flavored milk contributed to only 2% of the total added sugar in children’s diets compared to 50% or more from soda and fruit drinks. 

            According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adding small amounts of sugar to nutrient-dense foods, such as reduced-fat flavored milk, may increase a person’s intake of such foods by enhancing palatability, thus improving nutrient intake without contributing excessive calories. In addition, a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reported that children who drink flavored milk consume more milk overall and are more likely to meet their calcium needs without consuming more total fat and calories. Flavored milk also provides the same nine essential nutrients that white milk does, including calcium, potassium, phosphorous, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin. 

            Flavored milk can be part of a healthy diet. Knowing that milk is the primary source of calcium in children’s diets, it is important to offer the milk that they like and will drink. Kids need more milk more often and flavored milk can help close the gap.