[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Observes National Nutrition Month

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
March 14, 2005
PIO 073-05/rdo

Alexandria Health Department Observes National Nutrition Month

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is observing National Nutrition Month this March by reinforcing the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health, along with plenty of physical activity.

According to Health Director Charles Konigsberg Jr., MD, MPH, “This month reminds us of the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits.” Dr. Konigsberg encourages City residents to be adventurous and expand their horizons when making food selections. “Variety of food is important,” says Dr. Konigsberg. “Trying unfamiliar foods, as well as trying new cooking techniques, can be great ways to improve your diet.”

In Virginia, the number of adults, adolescents, and children who are overweight or obese has risen dramatically in the past decade. Fifty-eight percent of adults in Virginia are either overweight or obese. In 2003, a sample of 12 fourth-grade classes showed that 17 percent of children were “at risk for overweight” and 28 percent were in the “overweight” categories. Among the efforts to address the problem locally, the AHD’s Cardiovascular Heart Project works closely with schools and recreation centers across the City to help spread the nutrition and fitness message.

Project coordinator Rachael Kennedy has addressed nutrition and fitness issues to over 1,000 Alexandria students for three years, since the project was founded. “We are not focusing on weight issues when we address our students,” said Kennedy. “Rather, we are more concerned about helping children learn how to make healthy food choices and lifestyle decisions.”

Kennedy says that partnering with the school system makes good sense. “Encouraging healthy, active after-school enrichment activities, such as walking clubs, helps to reach children who may not be interested in joining the more competitive team sports. We want children to know that while team sports provide excellent opportunities for fitness, there are many other activities that can fill that need as well,” said Kennedy.

The Alexandria Health Department offers the following tips for a healthy lifestyle during National Nutrition Month:

C Be adventurous with your food choices. Expand your horizons by trying new, healthful recipes.

C Substitute junk food, like high calorie chips, ice cream, and pastries, for more fruit and vegetables in your diet. Maintain the habit of keeping a good supply of healthy snacks readily available.

C Choose foods by looking at the “big” picture. Enjoy all your favorite foods in moderate amounts without stressing too much over one particular meal or day of over-indulgence.

C Balance food choices with your lifestyle. Eat enough to maintain your weight and fuel your physical activities, and make sure you get the right combination of nutrients.

C Be active. Make a list of physical activities that fit into your lifestyle and schedule some every day.

For more information on maintaining a healthy diet or about the Alexandria Health Department’s Cardiovascular Heart Project, contact Rachael Kennedy at 703.838.4400, ext. 271, or visit .

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