June Newsletter!

June Is National Dairy Month
Youth Trends: Less Milk, More Soda

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and several other health authorities, children and adolescents should consume 2 to 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free milk each day to support critical bone growth and development. Unfortunately, two new analyses show children are drinking far less milk and far more soda and fruit drinks.
One analysis examined data from national food surveys from select time periods between 1977 to 2006, and revealed a marked decrease in average milk intake for children ages 2-18, falling to only 5 ounces a day by 2003-2006. Over the same time period, calories from sugar sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks) for children and teens increased from 87 to 154 calories per day.
Similarly, researchers who conducted a 5-year study, Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), noted the trend among Minnesota teens of more sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption and less milk consumption. Researchers found that over the course of five years, higher consumption of white milk was associated with less weight gain. In a success story, on the other hand, a systemic change in beverage offerings was made in New York City public schools in an effort to decrease students’ fat and calorie intake while maintaining nutrient consumption, and was met with impressive results.
Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, school cafeterias phased out whole milk and replaced it with low-fat or fat-free white milk and fat-free chocolate milk. Based on purchasing data, it was estimated that the district’s milk-drinking students were served 5,960 fewer calories and 619 fewer grams of fat per student on average in 2009 than in 2004. In addition, chocolate milk accounted for more than half (approximately 60 percent) of the milk purchased both before and after the policy change.
Low-fat and fat-free flavored milk is a nutrient-rich beverage that provides the same nine essential nutrients as unflavored milk, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin (niacin equivalents). Read more about flavored milk and learn the latest facts on this important source of dairy nutrition for children in “Flavored Milk in Perspective.” Also, access National Dairy Council’s Child Nutrition resources to learn
more about the key role dairy foods play in child and adolescent health.

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Squares
(Recipe created by 3-Every-Day™ of Dairy)

Makes 9 Servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 180 min
Ingredients:
1 cup crunchy wheat and barley cereal
3 cups fat-free strawberry yogurt
1 (10-ounce) bag frozen unsweetened strawberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1 cup light or fat-free whipped topping (optional)

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with foil. Sprinkle cereal evenly on the bottom of the pan; set aside.
Place yogurt, strawberries and condensed milk in a blender; cover and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture over top of cereal, gently smoothing yogurt mixture to edges of pan. Cover with foil (or plastic wrap) and freeze for 8 hours or until firm. Use edges of foil to loosen and remove from pan; let recipe thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into squares, top with whipped topping, if desired, and serve.

Storage tip: Squares may be individually wrapped and frozen for single servings.
Note: Create your own variations by using other flavor combinations of yogurt and fruit.

(Nutritional Facts Calories: 200 Total Fat: 0 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Sodium: 150 mg Calcium: 20% Daily Value Protein: 7 g Carbohydrates: 42 g Dietary Fiber: 2 g)

Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

Periodontal disease attacks the slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum. This causes a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues. When tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket which gets deeper as the disease develops.

The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is milder and reversible and only affects the gums. It may lead to periodontitis, which is more destructive.
There are warning signs that can suggest a possible problem:

• Gums that bleed easily or are tender.

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.

• Persistent bad breath or taste.

• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.

• Change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.


However, it’s also possible to have periodontal disease with no warning signs. It’s therefore important to have regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations.
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on how far it has progressed.

Good dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, eating a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist will help you reduce the risk of gum disease.

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