American Heart Association says Leading Health Organizations Support First-Ever Consensus Recommendations to Encourage Young Children’s Consumption of Healthy Drinks

Princeton, NJ – The American Heart Association says leading medical and nutrition organizations recommend breast milk, infant formula, water, and plain milk as part of a new set of comprehensive beverage recommendations for children, outlined by age (birth through age 5).

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American Heart Association reports Factors associated with good Heart Health may also protect Kidneys

American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report

Dallas, TX – Achieving the American Heart Association’s definition of ideal cardiovascular health may also help prevent chronic kidney disease, according to new research in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Life’s Simple 7 are the ideal cardiovascular health factors/goals that include healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, diet, body weight, enough physical activity and not smoking.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Best Autumn ever to Add Trees, Shrubs, Perennials to Landscape

Nashville, TN – A cool, rainy summer has left Tennessee’s lawns and landscapes with soils still soft and retaining moisture. Perfect. There’ll never be a better fall to improve your landscape.

Fall is always the best season to transplant trees, shrubs, bulbs or any other perennials. Summer’s heat is too stressful for new transplants, and even daily watering can’t make up for heat plus drought. Perennial plants also need fall and winter to develop their root systems instead of growing, blooming or putting out leaves as they do in spring or summer. As long as the ground is not frozen hard, it’s not too late to transplant.

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Tennessee Department of Agriculture says Be Good to Sweet Potatoes and They’ll Be Good to You

Nashville, TN – Tennessee grown sweet potatoes can be found at virtually every local farmers market across the state throughout the fall, peaking in October and November. When chosen and stored with care, this is that rare vegetable that actually gets better as it waits to be used.

That’s great news for winter meals, since there are few options for fresh local produce between November and April. Following a few simple guidelines will keep your sweet potatoes in top condition until you use them.

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ShopSmart Discovers New Ways to Eat Better

Yonkers, NY – Let’s face it, many of the most healthful foods – bitter vegetables, long-cooking beans, and squishy tofu – can be a tough sell.

The March 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, gives your grocery list a makeover with 12 healthy foods that help you get nutrients in unexpected ways from foods like chips, pasta, and even dips. [Read more]

Tennesseans’ Fruit and Vegetable consumption declines

TDOH urges eating more fruits and vegetables for better health

Nashville, TN – While Tennesseans eat more vegetables than residents of any other state, Americans nationwide are eating fewer fruits and vegetables than they were in 2000, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Department of Health is reminding everyone of the important role of fruits and vegetables in a healthful diet as part of the observance of National Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month.

“We are pleased that Tennesseans continue to recognize the benefits of including vegetables in their daily diets, and this survey indicates we are making good choices,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “However there is still work to do. For a balanced diet, we need to consume five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day. I encourage everyone to look for creative ways to incorporate more of these items during meal and snack time.”

CDC released state-by-state data this month from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System on fruit and vegetable consumption. [Read more]