Better Living Through Well Being
Most consumers are no longer interested in dieting. They now favor mindful eating and choosing to “eat clean” with less processed foods and more whole foods such as veggies, fruits, ancient grains and green tea, as well as plant-based proteins like nuts and seeds.
The “What’s Trending in Nutrition: survey of thousands of registered dieticians has become a leader in identifying and tracking significant food trends. While consumers will continue to be concerned over foods that are GMO-free, sustainable or gluten-free, thanks to more transparency on food labels, they will be looking for more low-sodium and sugar-free options in 2017.
The RDs’ advice for eating healthier and make smarter purchasing decisions in 2017 includes eating more servings of fruits and vegetables, choosing high-quality, nutrient-rich foods in all food groups, limiting consumption of highly-processed foods, and instead of focusing on diets, choose foods based on a wholesome ingredient list and high level of quality proteins and carbohydrates.
Technology applications on digital devices have made shopping for healthier food and losing weight easier. However, since cost and other factors create barriers to the low income population being able to eat and purchase healthy food, RDs recommend increasing affordability and availability of nutritious food in low-income areas.
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Luckily, there are some solutions that can alleviate the symptoms of blue light exposure and digital eye strain. There is special eyewear with blue light filtering capability as well as anti-reflective or anti-glare properties to help preserve ey health and maintain the body’s circadian rhythm to facilitate a good night’s sleep. In addition to eyewear, other ways to relieve digital eye strain include taking a 20-second break from the screen every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away, reducing overhead lighting to eliminate screen glare, positioning yourself at arm’s distance from the computer screen, and increasing text size on devices.
The Vision Council is committed to educating the public that suffering from the effects of blue light exposure and digital eye strain does not have to be and should not be the norm.
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Other articles of interest in this Winter 2017 TMIS eNewsletter:
* Remarks made by Catherine McKenna, Canadian minister of environment and climate change to the Toronto Board of Trade.
* Medically important antibiotics are no longer used for growth promotion thanks to implementation of new policies by the FDA.
* Natural and Organic study explores the size of the natural and organic market and how consumer expectations are making a fresh, natural positioning a “must have.”
* Advanced technology food waste recycling diverts waste from landfills and converts it to renewable energy not released into the atmosphere.
* New report from the International Fund for Animal Welfare advocates need for measuring happiness and wellbeing of people, animals and the planet, not just economic growth.
* National health survey confirms increase in Americans’ increase in attempts to quit smoking.
* Alzheimer’s Association releases 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
* Demand for Green Cement as a sustainable product, reducing the carbon footprint of construction continues to increase.
I am grateful to be in a collaborative business with many talented and skilled professionals. Additional feedback and recommendations for our products and services at TM Information Services are always welcome.
- Mary Michele McLaughlin
From the Front Page of TMIS News
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National Survey Taps Over 1,700 Dietitians to Predict Top 2017 Food Trends
New York, New York
Pollock Communications and leading nutrition trade magazine, Today's Dietitian, has released the results of their fifth annual "What's Trending in Nutrition" national food trend survey, which polled over 1,700 registered dietitians (RDs) across the country on the new year's big trends in food and eating. Results reveal a decline in consumers' interest in dieting. Instead, many are choosing clean and mindful eating as their path to healthier living.
"Year-to-year, our unprecedented connection with Registered Dietitians - the authorities on all matters of food and nutrition - has enabled us to document the movement towards mindful eating," said Mara Honicker, publisher of Today's Dietitian. "This annual increase in attention to eating with purpose and care is also reflected in the top 10 superfood trends. There has been a consistent focus on foods that are nutrient-rich - like seeds, avocados and nuts - along with those that have health-promoting qualities, like fermented foods and green tea."
Dietitians are attributing the latest shift in consumer food perception to the growing trend of "mindful eating," a slower and more thoughtful approach to eating. Based on the survey, 49 percent of RDs say that consumers will choose mindful eating over dieting. In addition, 59 percent say consumers will choose to "eat clean," by looking to consume foods that are less processed and more whole foods such as veggies, fruits, ancient grains and green tea, as well as plant-based proteins like nuts and seeds.
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In 2017, Saving the Planet Starts in Your Kitchen
Boston, Massachussetts
It is easy to feel powerless in the face of environmental problems such as climate change and health problems such as obesity and chronic disease. We might wonder if there is anything we could do as individuals that would make a difference in solving these dire problems. Yet there are five powerful steps individuals can take in the new year (and years to come) to significantly impact their own health, the health of other people, and the health of our environment. So says Ellen Moyer, Ph.D., an environmental consultant and author of the book Our Earth, Our Species, Our Selves: How to Thrive While Creating a Sustainable World.
She says, "Whether we like it or not, or know it or not, our small actions repeated day after day add up to huge impacts. Consumers inescapably weigh in on a vast array of issues every day. We make a difference with each bite we take, and by reducing food waste because food is a basic way we fit into the web of life and interact with our world. By choosing whole, real, organically grown food—preferably favoring plant foods—we vote for everyone's health, including our own. We also help the economy by reducing expenditures on health and environmental damage control."
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Blue Light is Adversely Affecting Our Sight & Health, According to an Eye-Opening New Survey by the Vision Council
Alexandria, Virginia
Sleep disruption, increased risk of depression, long-term vision issues and retinal damage - these are all potential side effects of a hidden culprit: blue light. Also known as high energy visible (HEV) light, blue light -according to a new nationwide report released by The Vision Council - is emitted from digital devices, contributing to eye strain. These findings arrive as thousands flock to the annual Consumer Electronics Show, the modern mecca for the latest gadgetry designed to improve individuals' lifestyles, but not necessarily their vision.
Blue light is a type of light with short wavelengths that emits higher energy. Aside from sunlight, digital screens - on computers/laptops, smart phones, tablets and TVs - are the most common source of blue light exposure. Blue light penetrates deep into the eye, and exposure may result in: exposing the eye to hidden spikes in light intensity; age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts; and suppression of the body's natural release of melatonin. With an increase in digital technology, there has been an increase in blue light exposure. In turn, many individuals suffer from the physical eye discomfort felt after screen use for longer than two hours at a time, also known as digital eye strain.
As part of its ongoing efforts to educate the public about the effects of digital devices on the eyes, The Vision Council commissioned its new survey of 9,840 American adults nationwide, which found that more than 87% use digital devices more than two hours per day, and over 52% regularly use two digital devices simultaneously.
However, according to Dr. Justin Bazan, OD and medical adviser to The Vision Council, the eyes are not built to stare at digital screens all day, as the modern world demands. "Patients underestimate how their technology use may be contributing to eye strain and do not consider ways to reduce this stress," he says.
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Remarks for the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change to the Toronto Region Board of Trade
Toronto, Canada
Thank you, everyone, for the warm welcome. It's great to be back. The Board of Trade is a longtime pillar of the Canadian business community and a cornerstone to the success of this great city.
I would like to begin by acknowledging that the land we are on is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee (HO-Dehn-Oh-show-knee), the Métis, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
Indigenous peoples are the first stewards of our water, air, and land, and we must work in partnership to protect our environment.
Our world has come a long way since the Board of Trade was created in the 1850s, on the dusty streets of Toronto. First of all, we live, on average, four decades longer than we did in 1850. We travel across our country in hours rather than weeks or months. And today, we carry all the libraries of the world in the palms of our hand.
If you ask me, I'd say we've done pretty well. Together, we've overcome countless challenges - from war, to recession, to disease.
Here in Canada, our curiosity, intelligence, and determination have led us to create thriving cities and to come up with innovations that our ancestors would not have believed. But today - after so much progress - we confront an urgent challenge. A challenge that will alter the course of our future if we don't act now - and will affect how and where we live, our quality of life, and our collective prosperity.
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Animal Health Community Collectively Redefines Antibiotic Use on the Farm
Washington, DC
The FDA has announced the full implementation of new policies redefining how antibiotics are used to treat food-producing animals. Beginning January 1, antibiotics similar to those used in human medicine that are medically important are no longer to be used to promote growth in animals. All remaining uses of these antibiotics in farm animals will be for the purpose of fighting disease under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Antibiotics are one of the key disease-fighting tools used by farmers to keep animals healthy. U.S. livestock producers utilize antibiotics in a responsible manner to manage diseases in their animals and to preserve their effectiveness. Because of the research-defined relationship between healthy animals and safe food products, it is important that farmers have a range of effective tools available to keep food animals healthy.
"The cooperative approach used by FDA to bring about this significant change has worked," said AHI President and CEO Alexander S. Mathews. "The fully implemented changes that have been announced represent an enormous effort by the animal health industry, veterinarians and farmers to align with the FDA policy and enhance the responsible use of antibiotics."
With these changes, veterinarians will be more involved in the decision to use antibiotics on the farm. All uses of medically important antibiotics in feed and water now require the approval and supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A veterinarian must sign a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) to allow the use of these antibiotics in feed and a prescription if used in water. While a veterinarian must approve the use of the antibiotic, the other directions on the label regarding dose and duration must be followed. Any other feed uses of antibiotics not listed on the label is illegal.
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Understand the Impact of Natural and Organic Labels in the Foodservice Industry
Chicago, Illinois
Natural and organic labels, which have long been present on food and beverages in the grocery channel, are increasingly popping up on away-from-home menus. According to a recent Multi Client Study by Technomic Inc., more than 1 in 5 Top 500 Restaurant Chain Menus offer items described as "natural" or "organic", and 4 in 5 operators that offer natural and organic menu items say these options have driven sales and traffic. With results like that, it is important that suppliers and operators in the foodservice industry understand the drivers of the trend and the potential impact on the industry and on their business.
"There is no doubt that interest in natural and organic has grown", says Kathryn Fenner, a principal at Technomic. "Natural and organic foods provide an opportunity because the terms have come to signal health without detracting from taste and satisfaction with the food." And as natural and organic claims become more widespread, consumer expectations will rise, making a fresh, natural positioning a "must have" in many situations.
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AT&T and Emerson Team Up to Reduce Methane Emissions
Las Vegas, Nevada
Emerson has turned to AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to advance its innovative Grind2Energy food waste recycling system. With these new capabilities, Emerson will provide near real-time environmental sustainability information, performance data reporting and data analytics to its customers. This will improve predictive maintenance and visibility to provide remote service. The newly developed IoT technology solution will also streamline tank monitoring analytics and pump-out scheduling coordination.
Today, approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. goes to waste and 97% of that ends up in landfills. There, it decomposes and produces methane gas - 5X more harmful than CO2 as a greenhouse gas and a major contributor to shrinking the ozone layer. As a result, many states and municipalities require large food waste generators to find a recycling solution like Grind2Energy.
Already in existence, Grind2Energy was developed for large food waste generators - like supermarkets, hotels, casinos and sports arenas - interested in minimizing their environmental impact and maximizing their operational efficiency. With additional hygienic benefits - no open-air trash bins or leaky compactors - Grind2Energy customers run lean, clean, and green. The system quickly processes food scraps into a liquid "slurry" that is pumped into an on-site holding tank. Now, with AT&T IoT connectivity, the slurry will be remotely monitored by Emerson, then transported to local anaerobic digestion facilities. The harmful methane will be captured in a controlled environment and converted to renewable energy - not released into the atmosphere.
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IFAW's new report advocates measuring happiness and wellbeing, not just economic growth
Cancun, Mexcico
A nation's prosperity should not be measured by economic activity alone, but rather by a more expansive measure assessing economic, social and environmental wellbeing, according to a new report from IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)."Measuring What Matters: True Wellbeing for Animals and People," released at the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cancun, Mexico.
Using Bhutan's "Gross National Happiness" as a framework, the 36-page report looks at human wellbeing from nine dimensions: psychological wellbeing, time use, community vitality, cultural diversity, ecological resilience, living standard, health, education and good governance.
"Measuring success solely through the lens of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) ultimately does not support animals or people," said Beth Allgood, IFAW US Country Director and one of the report's co-authors. "People benefit when we conserve and protect wildlife and treat companion and agricultural animals humanely. Understanding this, we can now bring animal welfare and conservation into social, environmental and economic policies."
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More Smokers Trying to Quit - Data to Inform Health Policy
Bethsada, Maryland
Data from more than 40,000 adult smokers in the U.S. reveal a substantial increase in serious attempts to quit smoking between 2012 to 2014, according to a new study appearing in the journal, Addiction.
In 2014, 55% of adult smokers reported making a serious quit attempt during the previous year, up from 51% in 2011, according to an analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This is the highest rate reported since 1997. More than 22% of those who made quit attempts were not smoking at the time of interview. This increase in serious quit attempts occurred just as electronic cigarettes were beginning to be more widely used, although these data cannot be used to definitively establish cause and effect.
"We are encouraged by these data, which suggest that adult smokers are increasingly making serious quit attempts. These data are especially important as other studies have suggested that the percentage of smokers trying to quit had stalled," said Joe Gitchell, the lead author on the paper. "The upward inflection in serious quit attempts in 2012, and continuing through 2014, suggests that we look to important changes in the environment that could have prompted more smokers to try to quit. Factors that may have been responsible include the greater awareness and use of electronic cigarettes during this same time interval."
Mr. Gitchell further commented, "Although the proportion of adult smokers making serious quit attempts continues to fall dramatically short of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Healthy People 2020 objective, we are hopeful that even more smokers will continue to attempt to quit. The evidence is clear: quitting smoking, at any age, improves and prolongs life and reduces suffering."
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Make a New Year's Resolution to Learn the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
New York, New York
After holiday gatherings, questions are often raised by family members about changes in the physical and cognitive health of parents and grandparents they may not see frequently during the year. As a result, the Alzheimer's Association has seen a rise in calls to its 24-hour Helpline during and after the new year.
As the voluntary healthcare leader in Alzheimer's research, advocacy and support for all those affected by the disease, the Alzheimer's Association has designated January as the month to help raise awareness about the 10 early warning signs for Alzheimer's. In New York State alone, 390,000 people live with Alzheimer's and that number is expected to increase to nearly half a million by 2025, making it more important than ever to support families dealing with this devastating disease and to fuel critical research for treatments and a cure.
* Every 66 seconds, someone in the USA develops the disease
* Nation-wide, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia, killing more than breast and prostate cancer combined
* In 2016, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the nation $236 billion
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Green Cement Market and Green Building for Sustainability Ensures Positive Outlook, says Transparency Market Research
Albany, New York
Transparency Market Research has published a new report titled "Green Cement Market for Residential, Non-residential, Industrial, and Infrastructure - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016-2024." Green cement is a cementitious material, made from industrial waste. The industrial waste comprises fly ash and slag. Fly ash is a waste derived from coal power plant and slag is a waste derived from steel or iron processing industry. Green cement reduces carbon footprint of construction activities by 40-50%. Green cement offer excellent corrosion resistance and also withstand high temperature. Green cement is used in residential, non-residential, industrial and infrastructure sectors.
Green cement is prominently used in residential sector followed by non-residential sector. Increasing investment in residential projects coupled with increasing population density across urban regions has been fueling the demand for green cement since the last few years. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. However, factors such as strength and durability maintenance, high cost associated with recycling and latest technology can affect market growth. Product improvement and exploration of new technology are projected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the green cement market.
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