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Healthy Choices
Jan’s Roasted Chicken
Prep: 15 min. Cook: 1 hr., 30 min.
(Jan Karon, best-selling author of the Mitford series, shares her favorite roasted chicken recipe with us. We were charmed by her roasted potatoes, too.)
Ingredients
1 (3- to 4-pound) whole chicken 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 garlic cloves, halved 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper 3 fresh rosemary sprigs 1 lemon, quartered
Directions...
Rub chicken and cavities with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper.
Tuck chicken wings under; tie legs together with string, if desired. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon oil into a large cast-iron skillet; place chicken, breast side up, in skillet.
Place 1 rosemary sprig and 2 lemon quarters into neck cavity of chicken; repeat in lower cavity.
Place remaining rosemary sprig underneath skin. Bake at 450° for 30 minutes; reduce heat to 350°, and bake 1 more hour or until meat thermometer inserted in thigh registers 180°.
Serve with Jan’s Roasted Potatoes, if desired.
Yield: 4 servings. Per serving: Calories 493 (62% from fat); Fat 33.8g (sat 8g, mono 16.9g, poly 6.2g); Protein 42.6g; Carb 2.9g; Fiber 0.6g; Chol 134mg; Iron 2.8mg; Sodium 712mg; Calc 35mg
Jan’s Roasted Potatoes
Prep: 5 min. Cook: 1 hr.
Ingredients & Directions...
8 medium-size new potatoes, halved 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Place potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake potatoes at 350° for 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes.
Yield: 4 servings. Per serving: Calories 322 (25% from fat); Fat 9g (sat 5.5g, mono 2.2g, poly 0.4g); Protein 6.5g; Carb 54.4g; Fiber 5.1g; Chol 23mg; Iron 2.1mg; Sodium 664mg; Calc 30mg
Baked Salmon With Caribbean Fruit Salsa
Prep: 5 min. Cook: 25 min. Other: 2 hrs.
A whole salmon fillet makes a dramatic presentation.
Ask the butcher at your grocery store to remove salmon skin.
1 (3-pound) whole skinless salmon fillet 1 tablespoon Caribbean jerk seasoning* 1½ tablespoons olive oil Caribbean Fruit Salsa
Garnish: lime wedges Place salmon fillet in a roasting pan; sprinkle evenly on 1 side with jerk seasoning. Drizzle with oil. Cover and chill 2 hours.
Bake salmon at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork.
Serve with Caribbean Fruit Salsa. Garnish, if desired.
Yield: 8 servings. Per serving: Calories 346 (43% from fat); Fat 16.4g (sat 2.5g, mono 7g, poly 5.4g); Protein 39.1g; Carb 9.2g; Fiber 1.4g; Chol 108mg; Iron 1.8mg; Sodium 192mg; Calc 35mg * Substitute Jamaican jerk seasoning, if desired. Caribbean jerk seasoning has a hint of sweetness.
Caribbean Fruit Salsa
Prep: 20 min. Other: 2 hrs.
Ingredients & Directions
This salsa’s also great as an appetizer served with tortilla chips. 1 mango (about ½ pound), peeled and diced* 1 papaya (about ½ pound), peeled and diced* 1 medium-size red bell pepper, diced 1 medium-size green bell pepper, diced 1 cup diced fresh pineapple 1 small red onion, diced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil Stir together all ingredients.
Cover and chill at least 2 hours.
Yield: 5 cups. Per ¼ cup: Calories 24 (30% from fat); Fat 0.8g (sat 0.1g, mono 0.5g, poly 0.1g); Protein 0.3g; Carb 4.6g; Fiber 0.7g; Chol 0mg; Iron 0.1mg; Sodium 1mg; Calc 6mg *
Substitute 1 cup each diced, refrigerated jarred mango and papaya, if desired.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
prep: 15 min. cook: 1 hr., 40 min. other: 35 min.
ingredients
4 pounds red bell peppers (about 8 large), halved 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 cups) 5 garlic cloves, chopped 3½ cups vegetable broth ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped 2½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ¾ cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon lemon juice 7 tablespoons sour cream
Directions
brush skin side of peppers with 1 tablespoon oil. roast peppers, skin side up, on lightly greased aluminum foil-lined baking sheets at 400° for 45 minutes or until peppers look blistered.
place peppers in a large zip-top freezer bag; seal and let stand 20 minutes. peel peppers; remove and discard seeds.
sauté onion in remaining 2 tablespoons hot oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until tender; add garlic, and cook 1 minute.
Add vegetable broth and peppers, and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes.
Remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes. Process red pepper mixture, in batches, in a food processor or blender until smooth.
Return pureed mixture to Dutch oven; cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Stir in basil and next 3 ingredients; cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in lemon juice. Serve with sour cream.
Yield: 7 cups. Per cup: Calories 263 (65% from fat); Fat 19.1g (sat 8.7g, mono 7.9g, poly 1.5g); Protein 4.1g; Carb 22.8g; Fiber 5.8g; Chol 41mg; Iron 1.5mg; Sodium 1325mg; Calc 66mg
6 Things You Should Definitely Winterize Before Cold Weather Hits
Keep out chilly weather and protect your belongings ahead of freezing temperatures.
By
Patricia Shannon
BH&G
Published on October 25, 2022
Depending on where you live, winterizing your home can mean different things. But no matter where you’re planted, the process should encompass both the physical structure of your home as well as your belongings and yard. “Taking the time to get your home, yard, and equipment ready for the changing seasons helps ensure that they perform as needed for many years to come [while] avoiding costly repairs or replacement later on,” says Kevin Busch, VP of operations for Mr. Handyman.
It's no surprise that protecting your belongings is always a good idea, but David Flax, president of Window Genie, points out that taking these extra steps can actually save you money by lowering your heating bills. Plus, it will help keep you comfortable throughout frigid temperatures.
Preparing your home for the winter goes beyond getting the toys out of the yard or storing your mower for the season. To help you cross off the most important to-dos, Busch and Flax share their checklist for making sure your home is ready for the season ahead.
1. Gutters and Downspouts
One of the first tasks to complete is to clean your gutters. “For cold weather climates, it is a good idea to make sure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned and working properly,” says Busch. “This can help you avoid issues with ice dams or leaks.” Even if you don’t live in a location that gets snow or ice, winter can oftentimes signal the rainy season, which means you’ll want to make sure your structure is in good shape and free of fallen leaves, nests, and other debris.
2. Outdoor Faucets
The last thing you want in the middle of winter is a burst pipe. To avoid that scenario, take precautions when it comes to preparing your exterior hose bibs and faucets. “If you can, shut off the water to outside faucets and open the valves to drain any water,” says Busch. That even goes for faucets that are designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Flax also suggests placing insulated covers on exterior spigots for an extra layer of precaution. Your waterlines are one area where you don’t want to skimp on your pre-winter homework.
3. Water-Utilizing Equipment
In addition to spigots, water-related exterior features also need attention. “Take the time to drain hoses, sprinkler systems, pressure washers, and any other equipment that handles water to ensure water doesn’t freeze inside them and create costly repairs in the spring,” says Busch. Store all equipment out of the elements, such as in a garage or basement, to keep it in top shape during its off-season.
4. Fireplace
Fireplaces are put to good use during the winter months, but if that’s not the case for your home, you’ll need to guard against the cold here too. “If you have a fireplace and you don’t use it a lot, make sure the damper is closed so cold air cannot get in,” says Flax. “If there is no damper then you may want to consider using a piece of cardboard to cover the opening into your living space to keep out the cold air.” Whether you close your damper or opt to insulate your home with cardboard, remember to set things back in place should you desire to use your fireplace.
5. Windows and Doors
When it comes to windows and doors, the process gets a little more extensive, but it all starts with making sure everything is locked. Busch says this creates a seal to keep warm air in and cold air out. You should also assess your home's window stripping to ensure it doesn’t need to be replaced and make sure windows are properly caulked. “You can add another layer of glass, typically called a storm window, to help keep out the cold,” says Flax.
For a less expensive option, Flax suggests using a plastic window insulator kit or even hiring a professional to apply window film to your windows. “Window film actually helps insulate your windows in the winter. Glass is porous, therefore allowing your heat to escape through the glass,” he says. “It will also help reduce fading, level out hot and cold spots in your home, and make your home more comfortable in both the winter and summer months.”
When it comes to doors, Flax suggests utilizing a draft snake. “A draft snake is simply a long piece of material filled with cotton or some other type of insulated material that keeps the drafts from coming under the door,” he says.
6. Garage Doors
You might think your garage is well-suited for the coming temperature drop, but don’t sleep on prepping this zone. “Your garage door can allow a lot of cold air into your home,” says Flax. “You want to check the bottom gasket and make sure it seals against the floor properly and check around the sides to make sure they are sealed.” Some garage doors are insulated, but if yours isn’t, Flax suggests purchasing an insulation kit, which you should be able to find at any local hardware store. “This is not a hard project for a homeowner to take on themselves,” he says.
6 Ways Kindness Is Good for You
How helping others can help improve your health
By
Cathie Gandel
AARP
November 02, 2022
Volunteering at a food bank, mentoring a younger person, treating a friend to a cup of coffee — acts of kindness like these not only can combat isolation and make you feel connected to others but also can have a positive effect on your happiness and well-being.
That’s because doing something for someone else triggers hormones affecting our moods, our stress levels, our brains and even our lifespans. “A growing body of scientific research shows that helping others, including engaging in formal volunteering activities, is related to better health outcomes in later life,” says Jeffrey Burr, professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Here are six ways that acts of kindness — large or small — can improve your physical health.
1. Makes you happier
A kind act, whether toward a group, another person or even yourself, boosts some of your hormones, the body’s chemical messengers. “Kindness can have a profound effect on the release of certain hormones,” says Marcie Hall, M.D., a senior attending physician in child and adolescent psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
One of these is oxytocin. Oxytocin is responsible for warm fuzzy feelings of contentment and happiness when we hug someone we love or complete a difficult job. For this reason, it’s sometimes called the “feel-good hormone."
Another hormone that responds positively to acts of kindness is serotonin. Serotonin, an ingredient of many antidepressants, decreases feelings of anxiety and increases happiness. Being kind also releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins affect the brain like drugs do, releasing a so-called “helper’s high,” similar to the runner’s high felt after exercise. In his book The Five Side Effects of Kindness, author David R. Hamilton says kindness produces a “totally legal high.”
2. Lowers blood pressure
Oxytocin has another important function. In a domino-like effect, kindness boosts oxytocin, which releases nitric oxide, a chemical that plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Nitric oxide counteracts the narrowing of arteries that accompanies aging and disease, improving blood flow through the body and lowering blood pressure. Studies show that healthy levels of nitric oxide can not only help lower chances of heart attack and stroke but also reduce dementia risk. In 2016, researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of California, Irvine found that financial generosity toward others lowered the blood pressure of the older adults engaged in the study to almost the same degree that starting a new blood pressure medicine would do.
3. Improves heart health
The heart benefits in several ways from acts of kindness. As mentioned above, nitric oxide counteracts the effects of aging on the arteries and blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Results from a 2016 review of a national survey revealed that those who volunteered were less likely to have dangerous belly fat, a factor in heart disease, and high glucose levels, markers for diabetes. The 2016 study of the effect of spending money on others revealed that the effect of financial generosity matched the results achieved by more well-known cardiovascular interventions such as exercise and diet. “Acts of kindness are ‘cardioprotective,’ ” says Hall. “They’re good for the heart.”
4. Strengthens the immune system
Besides boosting our mood and lowering our blood pressure, oxytocin also reduces inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be caused by stress, diet or the environment, and is linked to diseases like diabetes and cancer. Research has found that it may also speed up the aging process. Kindness sets up the body to decrease inflammation and slow aging, says Hall.
But kindness can also strengthen immunoglobulin, an important part of the immune system found in saliva. In one Harvard University study, students were asked to watch a documentary on Mother Teresa. Their saliva was tested before and after watching the documentary, and the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A had increased significantly after watching the film. Not only that, but the effects were still seen an hour later. Just seeing a demonstration of kindness and love was enough to boost the immune system in an important way.
5. Makes your brain bigger
The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. “It is also really important as a biomarker for the prevention or delaying of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Michelle Carlson, a professor in the Department of Mental Health in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Unfortunately, that part of the brain shrinks as we age. But it turns out that volunteering can delay that process.
That’s what happened to participants in Baltimore’s Experience Corps, retired men and women who volunteered to mentor young schoolchildren over a period of two years. “We saw a steady improvement or maintenance of the hippocampus in the volunteers, but the controls showed the expected age-related decline,” says Carlson. “And more so in men than in women,” she adds.
The good news is that these habits are teachable, says Hall. “Anyone can adopt these habits.” Doing these things on a regular basis can “create new neural pathways,” Hall says, effectively rewiring the brain.
6. Helps you live longer
That’s right. Buying your friend a cup of coffee could increase your lifespan. It does this by reducing cortisol, the basic stress hormone in the body. Cortisol inspires the fight-or-flight response when we face danger, but too much cortisol for too long a period can be harmful. Research has found it can alter the immune system, put pressure on the heart and affect the brain.
A 2018 study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston found that on days that subjects volunteered, they experienced a lower level of cortisol output compared with non-volunteer days. In other words, volunteering reduced the effect of cortisol on the body.
Stressful things certainly still happen to people, but kindness can buffer the effects of stress.
In 2017, a team from Harvard University followed a large sample of adults age 50 and older over a period of four years to see if volunteering caused any changes in their health. The result: Those who volunteered more than 100 hours per year — about two hours a week — had a “reduced risk of mortality.” Specifically, when comparing the volunteers against those who did not volunteer at all, the volunteers had a 44 percent reduced risk of mortality over the four-year follow-up period. The researchers didn’t prove that the volunteering caused people to live longer but reported the links between living longer and volunteering. It’s possible that other factors were involved. They did report a connection between people feeling they have a purpose in life and volunteering. Those who feel they have a purpose in life tend to live longer.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help your health while helping others. Find out more about volunteering with the AARP Foundation Experience Corps, a program made up of volunteers who are dedicated to helping children become great readers before completing third grade. Plus, discover many more ways to get involved and volunteer with your community.
Online Scams You Need to Be Aware Of—and How to Avoid Them
Jaime Stathis, Reader’s Digest Updated: Nov. 04, 2022
When it comes to protecting yourself from online scams, education is your best defense. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
The most common online scams...
Think you could never fall for one of the most common online scams? Think again. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of an incredible vacation deal or the panic that you owe back taxes to the IRS. Scammers can be incredibly convincing, and there are more and more of them to contend with. In fact, the FTC received more than 2.8 million fraud reports in 2021, which amounted to losses of more than $5.8 billion—up a whopping 70% from 2020.
That’s a hefty increase, to say the least, and our changed world has provided the perfect petri dish for scams to thrive. Experts point to the pandemic as one main cause, since millions of people became reliant on “card not present” credit card purchases on retailers’ websites. This is now the main vehicle for credit card fraud, with 80% of incidents occurring this way.
The pandemic also increased feelings of isolation and loneliness, prompting people to connect online—for better and for worse. “Social media is an easy way for a scammer to find and connect with victims, who can then be ‘social engineered’ into providing personal information, visiting a malicious link or sending payments,” says Jason Glassberg, co-founder of Casaba Security. More than one in four people who were victims of fraud in 2021 report that it started on social media.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? People become victims of online scams when they’re caught off guard. By familiarizing yourself with these common scam techniques, you’ll think before you click. We’ll also help you boost your password security, smartphone security and privacy and general online security to make sure you have an ironclad defense against potential hacks, attacks and computer viruses.
Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and avoid becoming a statistic.
Free trial scam
How it works: You see an internet offer for a free one-month trial of some amazing product—often a weight-loss program, a teeth whitener or some other thing offering incredible results in record time. All you pay is $5.95 for shipping and handling … or so you think.
What’s really going on: Buried in the fine print, often in a color that washes into the background, are terms that obligate you to pay $79 to $99 a month in fees—forever. Canceling these subscriptions can be a beast and can take months.
The big picture: “These guys are really shrewd,” says Christine Durst, an internet fraud expert who has consulted for the FBI and FTC. “They know that most people don’t read all the fine print before clicking on ‘I agree,’ and even people who glance at it just look for numbers. So the companies spell out the numbers, with no dollar signs. Anything that has to do with money or a time frame gets washed into the text.”
Avoidance maneuver: To avoid this subscription scam, read the fine print on offers, and don’t believe every testimonial. Also check TinEye.com, a search engine that scours the Web for identical photos, or do a reverse image search on your own. If that woman with perfect teeth shows up everywhere promoting different products, you can be fairly certain her “testimonial” is fictitious. Reputable companies will allow you to cancel, but if you can’t get out of a “contract,” cancel your card immediately, then negotiate a refund. If that doesn’t work, appeal to your credit card company.
Fake Wi-Fi hotspot scam
How it works: You’re sitting in an airport or a coffee shop, and you log into the local Wi-Fi. It could be free, or it could resemble a pay service like Boingo Wireless. You connect, and everything seems fine.
What’s really going on: The site looks legitimate, but it’s actually an online scam run by a criminal from a laptop. He’s most likely sitting very close to you, and you have no idea he’s mining your computer for banking, credit card and other password information. If it’s a fake pay site, he also gets your credit card info, which he’ll then sell to other crooks.
The big picture: Fake Wi-Fi hot spots are cropping up everywhere, and it can be difficult to tell them from the real thing. “It’s lucrative and easy to do,” says Brian Yoder, a cybersecurity consultant. “Criminals duplicate the legitimate website of a Wi-Fi provider like Verizon or AT&T and tweak it so it sends your information to their laptop.”
Avoidance maneuver: Make sure you’re not set up to connect automatically to non-preferred networks. For PCs, go to the Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel. Click on the link for the Wi-Fi network you’re currently using. A box with a “General” tab should pop up. Click “Wireless Properties.” Then, uncheck the box next to “Connect automatically when this network is in range,” and click OK to enable. For Macs, click on the Wi-Fi button in the upper right, click “Open Network Preferences,” and check “Ask to join new networks” and “Limit IP address tracking.”
Before traveling, it’s also a good idea to buy a $20 Visa or MasterCard gift card, so you can purchase airport Wi-Fi access without broadcasting your credit or debit card information. You can also set up an advance account with providers at airports you’ll be visiting. If your cellular plan allows it, set up your own personal hotspot.
Also—and this is incredibly important—don’t do any banking or online shopping from public hotspots unless you’re certain the network is secure. Look for “https” in the URL, or check to the left of the URL in your browser for a small padlock icon. Finally, always be on the lookout for these red flags someone has hacked your computer.
Elder financial scam
How it works: A loved one becomes a widow. They’re alone and lonely, until another widow finds them on Facebook and says, “I know what you’re going through.” They become fast friends, and then the friend has an emergency—perhaps a sick grandchild or an unexpected car repair—and needs to borrow money immediately.
What’s really going on: This new “friend” isn’t a friend at all—they’re a scammer, of course. They may vanish after the first payment is made, or they may stick around to see how much more they can squeeze out of the unassuming elder. In elder fraud, the scammer might also eventually attempt to take over the elder’s bank accounts and even steal their identity.
The big picture: “Increased concentrated wealth (retirement accounts, pensions, etc.) make seniors a more attractive target to scammers,” says Jason Zirkle, training director at the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. “Plus, scammers assume that Baby Boomers are more respectful to authority, that widows are lonely and that elders are reluctant to ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden to caregivers.”
Avoidance maneuver: “The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to educate yourself on the red flags that can help you avoid becoming a victim,” says Darius Kingsley, head of business practices at Chase. If you suspect this is already happening to someone you know, look for the following signs: a new friend they’re secretive about, changed spending habits, bounced checks after a lifetime of fiscal responsibility or a desire to cash out IRAs and/or change their will.
Make sure the elders in your life know what to do if they receive spam calls, and encourage them to get on the National Do Not Call Registry. Seniors can also fill out a Financial Vulnerability Survey, and you can set up an account-monitoring service such as Carefull to monitor their bank, credit card and investment accounts for suspicious activity.
A.I.C.R Report by Melissa Maitin-Shepard
The last White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health took place more than 50 years ago. The 1969 Conference was convened by President Richard Nixon to address hunger and malnutrition – the pressing food-related health challenges of that time. The Conference was successful in ushering in a wave of major reforms to U.S. nutrition policies and programs, including major expansions to the National School Lunch Program and the Food Stamp Program (now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP), creation of the School Breakfast Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and major improvements to nutrition labeling. Many experts believe that these policies have significantly reduced hunger and malnutrition in the U.S.
As the second White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health gets underway, our nation faces very different diet-related health challenges. While food insecurity still impacts one in 10 Americans, four in 10 U.S. adults have obesity and six in 10 have one or more chronic conditions, such as cancer. Less than half of adults get enough physical activity.
And the average diet score on the Healthy Eating Index, a measure of adherence to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is a failing 58 out of 100. The data among children is equally concerning, with two in 10 children ages 2-19 having obesity, and less than one in four children ages 6-17 getting the recommended one hour of physical activity per day.
Research from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund’s (WCRF) Continuous Update Project and Third Expert Report have found that – after not smoking – poor diet, physical inactivity, and excess weight are the leading modifiable cancer risk factors. In fact, having overweight or obesity increases the risk for at least 12 types of cancer, being inactive increases the risk for at least three cancer types, and poor diet, such as eating too few fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains and too much red and processed meat, increases the risk for at least four cancer types. Drinking alcohol – even amounts of less than one or two drinks per day – also increases the risk for at least six cancer types.
For the last four years, AICR has been engaged in efforts to inform federal policy to make it easier for people to eat a healthy diet and be physically active. AICR’s policy priorities include:
- Nutrition labels that promote informed choices
- Alcohol labels that educate about cancer risk
- Federal dietary guidelines that are aligned with cancer prevention research
- Federal guidelines for physical activity programs and policies that make it easier to follow AICR’s Physical Activity Recommendation
- Increasing federal funding for cancer research, with an emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyles
- Access to diet, physical activity and weight loss interventions for people with cancer and cancer survivors
In conjunction with the Conference, the White House has released its national strategy, providing a roadmap for ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases. The national strategy outlines federal government actions, and calls on Congress, state and local governments, and the private and nonprofit sectors to advance policies and programs that improve hunger, nutrition, and health.
The five pillars of the national strategy are:
- Improving food access and affordability;
- Integrating nutrition and health;
- Empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices;
- Supporting physical activity for all;
- Enhancing nutrition and food security research.
The national strategy includes several of AICR’s priorities.
For example:
- The strategy notes: “The Biden-Harris Administration supports efforts to expand evidence-based nutrition and obesity counseling benefits to Medicare beneficiaries with additional conditions.” Currently, Medicare only covers medical nutrition therapy – a type of nutrition counseling provided by a registered dietitian – for people with diabetes and kidney disease, limiting access for the 12 million cancer survivors who are over age 65. AICR supports this component of the strategy and has advocated for passage of the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act, which would require Medicare to provide coverage for medical nutrition therapy for people with a broad range of diet-related conditions, including cancer.
- The strategy includes increased investment in nutrition research and creative new approaches to advance research on the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases. AICR advocates for increased federal funding for research on cancer and healthy lifestyles, particularly at the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health.
- The strategy explains that the Biden-Harris Administration supports regular updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which are the federal government’s official policy on the connection between diet and physical activity and good health. In addition, the strategy notes that the Administration “will work with Congress to provide adequate funding for HHS to regularly update these guidelines, in partnership with USDA, and lead a national education campaign to boost awareness of healthy eating recommendations and support all Americans in making healthy choices.” AICR supports the regular updates to these important dietary and physical activity guidelines and ensuring that they reflect the latest evidence on the connection between diet, physical activity, and cancer prevention and survivorship.
AICR looks forward to collaborating with the White House and other stakeholders to achieve the Conference’s goal to “increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030, so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases.” Indeed, achieving this ambitious agenda will take dedicated action across sectors.
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