| FEATURES |
Fuel Up to Play 60 Inspires Schools and Kids Nationwide with Huge Success in First Year
With childhood obesity front and center in America’s wellness landscape, Fuel Up to Play 60 has inspired youth to take action for their health, both in their schools and in their communities. Having exceeded its first year goal of more than 60,000 participating schools across the country, Fuel Up to Play 60 has provided students with the resources to make positive changes and help lay the groundwork for a healthier generation. 
In addition to the Fuel Up to Play 60 national competition winners, the program is helping make healthy improvements in communities across the country. For instance, participating schools in Newark, New Jersey and the local Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the New York Jets to build a new playground – unveiled in May – to encourage kids to have fun outdoors while aiming to meet their goal of 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Additionally, because of Newark’s participation in Fuel Up to Play 60, 50 percent of the district’s public schools now serve milk in single-serve plastic bottles, and by next school year 100 percent of public schools in this district will offer this packaging. In Larimer County, Colorado, schools in the Poudre School District kicked off Fuel Up to Play 60 with a “Drink More Milk and Recycle” initiative. One participating school, Kinard Middle School, added a snack bar in their lunch room that will include milk and flavored milk options. The initiative will also add to the school’s sustainable recycling program.
In Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers opened a “Fuel Up to Play 60 Kids Combine,” a free, interactive area that promotes youth fitness through a variety of football skills and drills for children and their families on the Panthers’ practice fields. Letford Elementary School in Johnstown, Colorado has introduced 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy vending machines that offer low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, low-fat and fat-free milk and flavored milk, as well as healthful snacks to go along with these dairy products. Nutrition education at Letford is also being incorporated into physical education classes, involving students in active learning focused on nutrition topics.
All schools participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 have access to a customizable healthy eating and physical activity program, in-school promotional materials, youth challenges, a chance to win rewards and an interactive website to facilitate positive changes in the school environment.
Visit the Fuel Up to Play 60 website to sign up for the 2010/2011 school year. Go to the Fuel Up to Play 60 Media Resource Center for photos and videos from past Fuel Up to Play 60 events. 
Active Summers Are Healthy Summers
Research continues to reflect that physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits and is especially critical for children. New findings add to the body of evidence that shows it’s important for parents and teachers to encourage children to be active for at least 60 minutes each day.
In a review paper published in the May issue of The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, researchers examined the relationship between physical activity, fitness and health by looking for the following seven health indicators in school-aged children and youth: high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, low bone density, depression and injuries. The findings show that even a modest amount of physical activity could benefit high-risk (e.g., obese) children and aerobic-based activities provided the greatest health benefit for the assessed indicators other than bone health. Regarding bone health, researchers noted that high-impact, weight-bearing activities are required in order for physical activity to impact bone strength. Based on this evidence, the researchers recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate activity each day for children 5-17 years of age. 
Finding ways to get kids active has become a national health priority, drawing the attention of the White House as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A partnership of nonprofit organizations, corporations and public agencies, including the CDC, published the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, which is aimed at creating physically active lifestyles. At the same time, the White House’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity also recently shared its findings, which state that the situation is serious but solvable, and “through quality physical education, recess, and other opportunities in and after school,” in addition to other tactics, real progress can be made.
While being active is an important part of building a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods is just as crucial. For example, it’s important for parents to keep nutrient-rich snacks at home or take them on the go so kids can “fuel up” while staying active. Nutritious snacks such as carrots, fruit, low-fat or fat-free milk or flavored milk, yogurt and string cheese are kid-friendly options, perfect for packing a healthy and delicious picnic to extend a family outing in the park. Also, see the “Ask the Expert” section for fun ideas and tips for how parents can make sure kids maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the summer months. | |
| BREAKING NEWS & RESEARCH |
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Studies Reinforce Dairy’s Role in Children's Health 
Recent research provides additional evidence of the positive effect dairy’s nutrients can have on children’s health – particularly in the area of healthy weight.
First, a randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition evaluated the long-term effects of a dairy-rich diet on obesity and on the components of metabolic syndrome, among 120 obese children over the course of six months, with a follow-up period of three years. The study’s authors found that increasing children’s dairy intake to greater than 800 mg of calcium/day “could promote a positive dietary behavior,” rather than limiting food or calories, and that a dairy-rich diet with similar caloric values “can be recommended as a safe and practical strategy for weight control and improvement of insulin resistance and some components of the metabolic syndrome in young, overweight children.”
Also, a separate study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that there was a positive association between calcium intake and resting metabolism in boys. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, found that boys who have higher calcium intake may use more calories when their bodies are at rest than those who consume less of the nutrient. In addition, there was a trend in the association between calcium intake and body fat among the male participants.
 These studies underscore the importance of children consuming low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese or yogurt. Nutrient-rich dairy foods supply three of the five nutrients kids fall short on – calcium, potassium and magnesium – as well as protein and vitamin D. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recognizing this important contribution to children’s nutrient intake, as well as its health benefits, recommends that adults and children 9 years old and over enjoy 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products per day. Children ages 2-8 are encouraged to consume 2 cups of milk or equivalent milk products each day.
Learn more about dairy’s unique nutrient combination and its impact on children’s health at NationalDairyCouncil.org.
International Osteoporosis Foundation Echoes Importance of Vitamin D in New Recommendations
It's widely known that vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in infants and young children and poor bone health in older children and adolescents. Emerging scientific evidence also indicates that poor vitamin D status may increase the risk of certain non-skeletal chronic diseases such as certain cancers and autoimmune disorders, hypertension and heart disease. But vitamin D is also a critical component in the maintenance of bone strength and in the prevention of falls and osteoporotic fractures in adults over the ages of 60-65.
Recognizing the significant impact vitamin D has on health, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) recently released a new, evidence-based position statement on vitamin D recommendations for older adults. The statement examined all available evidence to support new recommendations for optimal vitamin D status, including:
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The estimated average vitamin D requirement of older adults is 800 to 1,000 International Units (IU) per day.
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Intakes may need to increase to as much as 2,000 IU per day in individuals who are obese, have osteoporosis, limited sun exposure (e.g., housebound or institutionalized) or have vitamin D malabsorption.
As discussed in the last issue of The Dairy Download, recent research also shows that dairy products are the top contributor of vitamin D in the diets of children 2-18 years old (68.1 percent contribution to overall intake) and adults 19 years and older (46 percent). Overall, dairy foods supply four of the seven nutrients adults fall short on according to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines – calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin A – as well as protein and vitamin D. The IOF’s recommendations for increased vitamin D intake among older adults reinforces the importance of choosing nutrient-rich foods, such as low-fat and fat-free milk products, to help meet nutrient needs and build healthy bones. 
Study Finds Offering Yogurt to Women in WIC Program Could Help Increase Their Intake
A randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examined the impact of providing yogurt to women enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The substitution of part of the WIC milk allowance with yogurt accompanied with educational materials resulted in 86 percent of participants (511 pregnant, breast-feeding, or postpartum women) wanting to substitute some of their milk vouchers with yogurt. In addition, 89 percent redeemed the yogurt coupons. Overall, researchers found that those women who consumed yogurt less frequently prior to the study significantly increased yogurt intake when it was offered as a substitution. There was also a trend for greater yogurt consumption among all women in the study regardless of their usual intake at enrollment (although not statistically significant).
Milk and milk products are such an accessible source of important nutrients that it’s difficult for most people to meet recommendations for key nutrients without consuming three servings daily. Yet, most Americans still do not meet recommendations to eat three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods each day. This study’s results highlight the importance of exploring the variety of dairy food options when reinforcing the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommended daily servings of low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products.
For educational resources focused on the WIC program, see NDC’s WIC Health Education Kit. | | 
| NDC BLOG HIGHLIGHTS |
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Sign Up for NDC’s Next Webinar! 
NDC’s health professional-focused webinars are back by popular demand, with the next event, "New Directions in Lactose Intolerance: Moving From Science to Solutions," to be held on July 30 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. CDT. Join us as we take a closer look at practical dairy-first solutions for managing lactose intolerance. Gastroenterologist Jeanette Newton Keith, M.D., consumer researcher Madlyn Daley, M.B.A., and a communications expert and immediate past president of LAHIDAN Cecilia Pozo Fileti, M.S., R.D.,F.A.D.A. will share timely insights and the latest research on lactose intolerance perceptions as messages, strategies and approaches to help peers, patients and the public better understand and manage lactose intolerance while ejoying the great taste, nutritional and health benefits of dairy.
Space is limited, so register today!
NDC's Blog Uncovers Latest Science
Click over to NDC's blog, The Dairy Report, to read about the latest dairy science and expert commentary on recent nutrition news and hot topics. Recent highlights include:
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Information on how milk is being used by college athletes across the country to help meet their training needs, such as exercise recovery | | |
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| DAY-TO-DAY DAIRY |
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Tips & Tools: When It Comes to Health Benefits, Dairy’s Nutrient Package Delivers 
Dairy foods deliver a valuable array of nutrients – including and beyond calcium. In fact, the dairy food group (milk, cheese and yogurt) is a substantial contributor of many nutrients to the U.S. diet that are important for good health, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12 and riboflavin. Although many people know about the bone-building benefits of calcium and vitamin D, they may not be aware of their benefits beyond bone health.
For example, as described in the “Breaking News & Research” section, one study shows a positive link between calcium and metabolism in young boys. As evidence continues to build on the health benefits of dairy and dairy’s nutrients, it’s easy to see how the selection of nutrient-rich foods first, such as low-fat and fat-free milk products, is the best way for families to build a healthy diet.
When offering nutrition guidance on how to make the most of each calorie, consider these tips:
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Get three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. For people ages 9 and older, it’s what the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends!
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Consider yogurt as another great option in the dairy case. Yogurt could be a popular choice to help people meet the recommended three servings of dairy each day and help contribute to increased dairy intake. A recent study regarding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program found that women who consumed less yogurt prior to the study significantly increased their yogurt intake when provided with coupons and education on yogurt.
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Look for vitamin D-fortified dairy products. Almost all milk is fortified with vitamin D, and an increasing number of vitamin D-fortified yogurts and a few cheeses are available on grocery store shelves.
To learn more about dairy’s health benefits, please visit NationalDairyCouncil.org. For the latest news, analysis and opinion on nutrition and health research and events, check out The Dairy Report.
Be well,
Stephanie Cundith, M.S., R.D., L.D.
National Dairy Council Spokesperson
Don’t Take a Vacation from Healthy Eating 
Recent research continues to support dairy’s critical role in delivering nutrients needed to support the health of both children and adults. But between vacations, family reunions and other fun festivities, patients and clients may feel it’s difficult to not take “time off” from a nutrient-rich diet during the summer months.
However, incorporating nutritious foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt, can be as easy as it is delicious. Some convenient and practical ideas for helping to meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ recommendation for three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products include:
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Fuel up for a trip by bringing a cooler packed with nutrient-rich foods and beverages, including single-serve, white and flavored low-fat or fat-free milk, fruit and vegetable slices, cheese slices and whole grain crackers
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Create homemade frozen treats by mixing nutrient-rich, low-fat strawberry milk with fresh strawberry slices and freezing in a popsicle container or ice cube tray
Visit NDC’s recipe catalog or reference this tip sheet for additional ways to incorporate the recommended daily servings of dairy into meals and snacks. | |
| MORE FROM NDC |
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Coming Soon: The Lowdown on Lactose Intolerance 
The July/August issue of Dairy Council Digest is the source for answers surrounding the most common lactose intolerance questions.
Also, stay tuned for the next issue of The Dairy Download, which will focus exclusively on lactose intolerance – including recent science, expert perspective and guidance on dietary management strategies to help those who are lactose intolerant incorporate the recommended three servings of nutrient-rich dairy into their daily diet. 
Ask the Expert
Expert: Connie Mueller, M.S., R.D., S.N.S.
Question: My daughter participates in Fuel Up to Play 60 at school. Do you have any tips on how our family can encourage healthy eating and physical activity during the summer months?
Answer: It’s wonderful that your daughter’s school is one of more than 60,000 schools participating in Fuel Up to Play 60, a program that encourages the availability and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, along with 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Kudos to you for making an effort to incorporate these nutrition and exercise practices at home this summer.
As adults, we sometimes underestimate the power of our children. Fuel Up to Play 60 is all about kids leading other kids and adults supporting them. Don’t forget to ask your daughter if she has any ideas about healthy snacks or activities.
As parents (or grandparents), we’re always looking for nutritious on-the-go snacks during our busy summer. Here are a few that my grandchildren enjoy:
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Apple slices and peanut butter
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Low-fat or fat-free yogurt with fruit
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Fruits and vegetables only available in the summer, such as watermelon, summer squash and cherries
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Reduced-fat cheese slices and whole grain crackers
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Carrots and hummus
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Low-fat or fat-free milk with whole grain cereal
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Nuts in a trail mix
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Reduced-fat string cheese and fresh fruit
While you encourage your children to be physically active 60 minutes a day, include the whole family this summer by adding a few of these activities to your weekly schedule:
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Take a family walk
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Ride your bikes to a local park
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Have a family tennis tournament or dance contest
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Play touch football, softball, volleyball or kickball with other families in your neighborhood
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Go swimming at a neighborhood pool
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Walk the dog together
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Plant a garden
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Run through the sprinkler on a hot day
Optimize Post-Workout Recovery with Dairy
A growing body of research among adults continues to show that in addition to dairy foods’ contribution to nutrient intake and health benefits, milk and its components also may help the body refuel, rehydrate and recover after a workout.
Whey Protein
In fact, a review article recently published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition discusses how whey protein (a high-quality milk protein) promotes muscle accretion with the added stimulus of resistance exercise more effectively than some proteins in young adults. This review examined the available scientific evidence supporting the role of both milk and soy-based proteins on muscle protein synthesis and accretion in younger and older adults. Different proteins can influence muscle protein accretion with resistance exercise, and while milk and soy proteins appear to be better than carbohydrate alone in promoting muscle accretion, the data in total suggest that whey promotes muscle accretion more effectively in young adults. Although further research is needed to determine if there is a similar relationship in older adults, the authors call for an increased awareness of the importance of muscle mass, beyond just athletes, as it may play an important role in healthy aging and the reduction in risk for some chronic diseases.
Chocolate Milk
Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that drinking chocolate milk after exercise provided similar muscle recovery responses to a carbohydrate beverage of similar caloric level during four days of increased training duration among college soccer players. Furthermore, serum creatine kinase, an indirect marker of muscle damage, was significantly lower following four days of increased training duration with chocolate milk compared to the carbohydrate beverage. While this research suggests chocolate milk may support post-exercise muscle recovery, the researchers recommend future studies should investigate this relationship during more demanding periods of training. | | | |