wbur (Damian Dovarganes/AP)

No single bag of chips or bacon burger will kill you unless you choke on it. But in the big picture the very big picture how we Americans eat does often send us to earlier graves, and a new study out of Tufts University quantifies just how deadly our diets may be.

It estimates that over 318,000 deaths a year, ornearly half of American deaths from major "cardiometabolic" killers heart disease, stroke and diabetes were hastened by unhealthy eating.

I spoke with Renata Micha, an assistant research professor at Tufts and lead author on the paper just out in the journal JAMA. Our conversation, lightly edited:

What did your study do?

We developed a model that used national data on dietary habits and mortality, and used updated evidence of diet with cardiometabolic diseases to estimate how many deaths in the United States can be linked to poor nutrition. This enabled us to estimate deaths linked to poor dietary habits for the whole population, and also by age, sex, race and education.

And what did you find?

We estimated that nearly half of all deaths from heart disease, stroke and diabetes collectively, cardiometabolic diseases are linked to poor diet. And it wasn't just too much 'bad' in the American diet, it's also not enough 'good': Americans are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains vegetable oils or fish. Americans are overeating salt, processed meats and sugary-sweetened beverages. This is especially true of men, younger adults, blacks and Hispanics, and people with lower levels of education.

Is this a first in any way?

This study builds upon our earlier work and the work of other researchers. Instead of taking a microscopic view, we're zooming the lens way out to look at national patterns. In doing so, we hope to identify dietary changes that could benefit the greatest number of people. These results are representative of all Americans and help us identify what's most important in the American diet.

You found that high salt consumption is a particular threat but isn't salt somewhat controversial?

There is a little bit of controversy about how low is low enough for sodium, but all major national and international organizations agree that we should be eating less sodium. Americans are still eating a lot of salt in their diets. And as you've mentioned, overeating salt, in our analysis, was linked to more deaths than any other food or nutrients

Among your findings, what was the worst news and the best news?

The bad news is that Americans are not eating healthy. The good news is: But we now understand which foods we need to target to prevent Americans from dying prematurely from cardiometabolic diseases. I'm actually still amazed at how people and policymakers tend to forget the simple yet vital truth: Eating healthy can and will prevent people from dying from premature heart disease, stroke and diabetes. If we remember that simple fact, most of us can have healthier and better lives.

"Preventing deaths through promoting healthy eating habits is the most timely and urgent priority of our time, from a health perspective."

What do your findings mean for policy?

There are tremendous policy implications to this. Instead of spending billions and billions of dollars on simply treating disease, we have an opportunity to focus on preventing disease. Doing so would improve productivity in the workforce, decrease health care costs, and improve the lives of millions of Americans and their families. Preventing deaths through promoting healthy eating habits is the most timely and urgent priority of our time, from a health perspective.

Are there a couple of things that could make the most difference?

Potential population strategies include, for example, economic incentives such as subsidies for more healthy foods, or taxation of less healthy foods; improvements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; and incentivized or mandated product reformulation, such as to reduce additives such as sodium and trans fats.

For example, the present findings suggest that salt is a key target population-wide salt reduction policies that include a strong government role to educate the public, and engage industry to gradually phase out or reduce salt content in processed foods, appear promising. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced voluntary sodium reduction targets for the industry.

And at an individual level?

So simply as a take-home message of our findings: Try to eat more of the good and less of the bad. Basically, eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, vegetable oils and fish; and eat less salt, processed meats and sugary-sweetened beverages. Start by making one healthier choice each day and build on it.

Ultimately, for an individual, these findings are general results but don't mean, "If you eat badly, it will kill you," right?

Well, it definitely increases the risk of dying prematurely from these diseases. But of course, for any given individual there are other factors that will modify this risk, such as other dietary habits, their genetics or their physical activity. Just as with any medical or public health intervention, our findings should be considered as estimates of the average population.

Readers? Will knowing these latest big-picture stats affect your eating?

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Deadly Diets: Study Links Unhealthy Eating To Nearly Half Of American Heart Deaths - WBUR

(for more about Power Words, clickhere)

aggressive(n. aggressiveness) Quick to fight or argue, or forceful in making efforts to succeed or win.

behaviorThe way a person or other organism acts towards others, or conducts itself.

biodiversity(short for biological diversity) The number and variety of species found within a localized geographic region.

colleagueSomeone who works with another; a co-worker or team member.

conservationThe act of preserving or protecting something. The focus of this work can range from art objects to endangered species and other aspects of the natural environment.

conservation biologistA scientist who investigates ways to help preserve ecosystems and especially species that are in danger of extinction.

dementiaA type of mental disorder caused by disease or injury that causes people to gradually lose all or part of their memory. It may start out temporary and build to a permanent condition where the ability to reason also is impaired.

dietThe foods and liquids ingested by an animal to provide the nutrition it needs to grow and maintain health.

diversity(in biology) A range of different life forms.

domestication (v. domesticate)The process of turning a wild plant or animal species into a tame version, which can take many generations. A domesticated animal is one that has been bred in captivity for food or as a pet. A domesticated plant is one usually farmed or used for landscaping.

earthwormA type of worm that lives in the soil. As it moves through soil, an earthworm creates burrows. These allow air and water to move more readily through the soil. The worms feed on decaying organic matter, which helps improve soil fertility.

ecosystemA group of interacting living organisms including microorganisms, plants and animals and their physical environment within a particular climate. Examples include tropical reefs, rainforests, alpine meadows and polar tundra.

endangeredAn adjective used to describe species at risk of going extinct.

extinction The permanent loss of a species, family or larger group of organisms.

habitatThe area or natural environment in which an animal or plant normally lives, such as a desert, coral reef or freshwater lake. A habitat can be home to thousands of different species.

Meso-America A region that spans from central Mexico through Belize and Guatemala into El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. The term is usually applied to the Native cultures that emerged in this region prior to its colonization by the Spanish.

niacin A micronutrient also known as vitamin B3. In humans, a niacin deficiency can cause a potentially fatal disease known as pellagra.

nixtamalization A process for treating corn or other grains with an alkaline solution often containing ash or lye. The process makes the grain easier to grind. It also can free up nutrients and improve flavor.

nutrientA vitamin, mineral, fat, carbohydrate or protein that a plant, animal or other organism requires as part of its food in order to survive.

nutrition(adj. nutritional) The healthful components (nutrients) in the diet such as proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals that the body uses to grow and to fuel its processes.

omnivorous An adjective for animals whose diets includefoods from both plants and animals.

pellagra A disease caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) or its precursor (tryptophan) in the diet. People with this disease may experience diarrhea, mental problems, skin problems or even death.

population(in biology) A group of individuals from the same species that lives in the same area.

pupA term given to the young of many animals, from dogs and mice to seals.

rangeThe full extent or distribution of something. For instance, a plant or animals range is the area over which it naturally exists.

rodentA mammal of the order Rodentia, a group that includes mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, hamsters and porcupines.

siblingAn offspringthat sharesthe same parents (with its brother or sister).

solutionA liquid in which one chemical has been dissolved into another.

speciesA group of similar organisms capable of producing offspring that can survive and reproduce.

staple (in nutrition) A food that serves as a dominant source of calories for a community or species. In people, for instance, just three plants rice, corn (maize) and wheat account for roughly 60 percent of calories eaten (according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization). That makes these staples.

symptomA physical or mental indicator generally regarded to be characteristic of a disease. Sometimes a single symptom especially a general one, such as fever or pain can be a sign of any of many different types of injury or disease.

umbrella species A species used for making decisions about conservation. If one of these species is to be protected, its habitat will need protection. Such protection will have benefits for many other species within its community, or ecosystem.

vitaminAny of a group of chemicals that are essential for normal growth and nutrition and are required in small quantities in the diet because they either cannot be made by the bodyor cannot easily be made by the body in sufficient quantities.

wean (adj. and v. weaning) The process in young mammals of transitioning from a diet of mothers milk to other foods.

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Wild hamsters raised on corn eat their young alive - Science News for Students (blog)

Daybreak's Crystal Harper talked to a dietitian about some ways to stay energized without that morning cup of Joe.

Crystal Harper, WVEC 7:41 AM. EST March 07, 2017

file photo (Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images)

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- So many people rely on coffee to make it through the day, with America going through approximately 383 million cups of java every single day.

According to the dietary guidelines of 2015, the average person can safely consume up to five cups of coffee per day and still a lead healthy lifestyle. But registered dietitian and personal trainer Jim White warns that you need to be careful about what you add to your coffee.

Drinking it black, of course is the best way: zero calories," he said. "Some of these coffee drinks can be up to four or five hundred calories, and that can be up to a quarter to a half of a days calories in coffee alone.

White mentioned that there are plenty of ways to get energy without caffeine.

Most importantly: make sure you get plenty of sleep. White recommends getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.

Try to limit or even avoid sugary and high processed foods. These foods will not keep you fully alert, and may actually make you feel more sluggish.

Also, White urges people to eat small, frequent meals. Ideally, people should be eating at least five times a day.

According to White, When were eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, were not only evening out our blood sugar levels, but were feeding our bodies with fuel so we have these nice little increases in energy throughout the day."

Because our bodies -- and more specifically our brains -- are fueled mainly by carbohydrates, White warned that sticking with low-carb diets could leave people feeling tired.

"Ninety percent of the brains fuel is from carbohydrates. That is the number one thing to incorporate in your diet, to increase your energy.

A few more tips that Jim gave us were to exercise first thing in the morning, eat a solid breakfast such as whole wheat toast and almond butter or oatmeal, and drink plenty of water.

( 2017 WVEC)

WVEC

Do It Yourself: Save money on coffee by making your own

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Stay fully energized without coffee - 13newsnow.com

Soy's Good For Those With Breast Cancer, Study Finds 41 NBC News Dr. Omer Kucuk, a cancer and nutrition expert and researcher at Emory University in Atlanta, said doctors can safely recommend that women eat soy foods. We now have evidence that soy foods not only prevent breast cancer but also benefit women who ... and more »

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Soy's Good For Those With Breast Cancer, Study Finds - 41 NBC News

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Mar 7, 2017

Bald eagles migrating back to Minnesota

Bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota and may be seen in large numbers across parts of the state over the next few weeks, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The spring eagle migration usually coincides with ice-out. A warm February melted much of the snow cover, and ice is breaking up along the rivers, said DNR regional Nongame Wildlife specialist Lisa Gelvin-Innvaer.

Because of that, this years migration appears to be a couple weeks earlier, so folks in southern Minnesota will be seeing eagles soon, even with the last remnants of winter, she said. Were already seeing small groups of eagles along the Minnesota River.

Only two states, Florida and Alaska, have greater nesting populations of bald eagles than Minnesota. In 2005, researchers estimated there are more than 1,300 active nests in Minnesota.

Fall migration typically occurs as lakes and rivers freeze over, since most eagles prefer a diet of fish. Bald eagle wintering grounds ideally contain open water, ample food, limited human disturbance and protected roosting sites. As their population increases, however, some eagles have become tolerant of some disturbance, particularly traffic, choosing to nest near busy highways or in very urban habitats. To supplement their diets in winter, eagles also prey on mammals and other birds, and will often be seen on roadsides eating carrion.

Not all bald eagles migrate southward in the fall, Gelvin-Innvaer said. In many areas in Minnesota, its common for some eagle pairs to stay the winter, especially during milder winters and wherever there is open water.

This years winter was a bit milder, she said. There were fewer subzero nights and not as much snow on the ground as some other years. That should have made for an easier winter for them to find food.

Bald eagles that stay local may begin courting and nesting as early as December or January. Other bald eagles return to their breeding territories as soon as a food source is available.

Eagles tend to vary their migration routes, so its hard to say exactly where the eagles are right now, Gelvin-Innvaer said. In Minnesota, the biggest migrations tend to be along the Minnesota River corridor, the north shore of Lake Superior and around Lake Pepin in southeastern Minnesota.

Adult bald eagles are easily identified by a white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Bald eagles attain full adult plumage in their fourth or fifth year. In flight, bald eagles are sometimes confused with turkey vultures. Bald eagles can be distinguished by their tendency to soar on flat, board-like wings, while turkey vultures fly with their wings in a V-shape.

The bald eagles recovery is a success story and an example of how they and many other wildlife species benefit directly from donations made to the Nongame Wildlife checkoff on Minnesota tax forms. For the past 40 years, checkoff dollars have been used to fund research, surveys and education for more than 900 nongame wildlife species. When the checkoff began, bald eagles, peregrine falcons and trumpeter swans were almost gone from our landscape. Today, they are all thriving in Minnesota. Each dollar donated is matched by funds from the Reinvest In Minnesota Account. Donations are accepted year-round.

More information is available here: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nongame/donate/index.html.

The DNRs Nongame Wildlife Program is now streaming live video of a nesting pair of bald eagles on its website at http://www.mndnr.gov/eaglecam.

For additional information on bald eagles and where to view them, go to http://www.mndnr.gov/birds/eagles/winter_wabasha.html.

Check late season snowmobile and ski trail conditions before traveling

While there are still areas of good snowmobile trail riding and cross country skiing in far northeastern Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises riders and skiers to check online trail condition reports before traveling. Several bouts of warm weather have led to deteriorating ice conditions and halted most trail grooming activity.

Snow depth and grooming conditions for state-maintained trails are updated weekly at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html.

As snow recedes, rocks and other obstructions can become a hazard to trail users.

Softening ground has necessitated closing gates on some trails and forest roads to protect them from damage and several private landowners have also closed their gates.

Trail grooming activities could resume if there is adequate snowfall and cold temperatures return.

State snowmobile trails are open annually through March 31 as conditions allow, but may be closed where trails cross private lands when use can cause damage to the land.

Marv Hill of Virginia named snowmobile safety instructor of the year

Duane (Marv) Hill of Virginia has been named the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Snowmobile Volunteer Instructor of the Year for 2016.

Hill has been the lead instructor for snowmobile safety class taught at the Mesabi Sno Voyageurs snowmobile club for 47 years. It is estimated that Hill has instructed and assisted teaching more than 2,000 students over the years as well as recruited numerous other volunteer instructors.

Outside of the classroom, Hill was instrumental in developing the Laurentian Snowmobile Trail, Harry Burr Memorial Rest Area, and trail bridge over the Pike River; organized the areas first charity ride to benefit the March of Dimes; and has served a number of volunteer leadership positions including Mesabi Sno Voyageurs snowmobile club, Range Trail Committee, and is a current member of the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA).

From snowshoeing through remote, wooded areas to flag early snowmobile trails, fundraising, and working with youth to instill safe habits on the trails, Hills lifetime love of the sport is reflected in his many years of volunteer service.

Marv genuinely cares about teaching students the ways to legally, responsibly and safely operate snowmobiles, said DNR Conservation Officer Matt Frericks, who nominated Hill for the award. Only a dedicated instructor who cares about getting young people involved and teaching them the sport of snowmobiling would make such an effort for so many years.

Even as he has started to slowly turn the instructor reigns over to younger instructors, Hill still plays a vital role in organizing and promoting classes. Each year, he personally arranges for a local DNR officer to present a rules and regulations segment to the class, which helps promote understanding of the role of enforcement and that the DNR Officer is a resource.

More than 1,000 volunteer instructors teach DNR snowmobile safety courses across the state.

For more information on the dates and locations of these courses, see an online list at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/snowmobile/index.html or call 800-366-8917. For a copy of the DNRs 2016-2017 Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Laws, Rules, and Regulations handbook, call 888-646-6367 or 651-296-6157 or visit the regulations Web page at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/snowmobile/index.html.

Roemhildt named Pheasants Forever Wildlife Professional of the Year

Scott Roemhildt, grassland programs coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, has been named Pheasants Forevers 2017 Wildlife Professional of the Year.

This is humbling for me, Roemhildt said. Pheasants Forever does so much for wildlife and habitat. Ive always respected the mission of PF and their ability to get good conservation work done. Its an incredible honor to be recognized for doing the work I love.

The award, presented at a program during National Pheasant Fest in Minneapolis, honors agency wildlife or habitat professionals who have worked hand-in-hand with Pheasants Forever for the benefit of pheasant and other wildlife populations.

Scott Roemhildt has worn many conservation hats over the years while tirelessly working for the pheasants of Minnesota, said Eran Sandquist, Minnesota state coordinator for Pheasants Forever. His commitment to wildlife, soil and water can be seen on the ground in habitat areas as you drive through southern Minnesota, where he has worked his entire career. His unique ability to bring folks together to achieve collective mission has served the people and projects of Minnesota well.

In his position, Roemhildt heads up the states Walk-In Access program, which pays landowners to allow public hunting on their private land. Since its inception in 2011, the program has grown to include more than 23,000 acres across 46 counties in the state. He also oversees the Roadsides for Wildlife program, is the DNR liaison with the Governors Pheasant Hunting Opener and assists with grassland communications for the DNR.

Pheasants Forever is the nations largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Together with Quail Forever, the organization has more than 149,000 members and 720 chapters across the United States and Canada. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has spent $708 million on 517,000 habitat projects benefiting 15.8 million acres.

The rest is here:
News from the DNR - Marshall Independent

New York Times

A Diet for Lead Poisoning? It Probably Doesn't Work New York Times The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a diet high in calcium, iron and vitamin C as a way of lowering children's blood lead levels, but a review of studies has found little evidence that it works. The C.D.C. recommends that children ...

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A Diet for Lead Poisoning? It Probably Doesn't Work - New York Times

Evidence lacking to support 'lead diet' Science Daily But if recommendations are being made based on diet or foods, there should be evidence backing that up, and the evidence is very limited. If the recommendation is that you should be eating iron-rich foods or red meat, there should be studies that have ... and more »

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Evidence lacking to support 'lead diet' - Science Daily

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

The Mediterranean diet is easy to find in the grocery store, contains nutrients that are known to enhance longevity and has other health benefits that are backed by peer-reviewed, scientific studies. Broccoli makes the list because it's one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, with only 30 calories per cup. That means you get a ton of hunger-curbing fiber and polyphenols -- antioxidants that detoxify cell-damaging chemicals in your body -- with each serving.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Doctors suggest using olive oil rather than butter to make your meals. A Spanish study found a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events among patients with a history of heart disease.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Quinoa is the popular whole-grain du jour because it also contains a good dose of protein to help build muscle. Yet including any type of whole grain in your diet -- from barley to brown rice -- will aid in weight loss by filling you up for fewer calories.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Many dieters shy away from nuts because of their high calorie and fat count. But studies show that eating a handful several times a week can prevent heart disease and ultimately help you shed pounds since they fill you up and stop you from snacking on other things. Almonds, in particular, contain lots of monounsaturated fats and fiber. (Healthy swap: Replace peanut butter with almond butter.)

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Salmon is also a good source of lean protein. With this diet, doctors suggest eating fish at least two times a week. Salmon provides a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which studies show significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids fight back by reducing inflammation and slowing the rate of plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Beans, beans, the magical fruit; the more you eat, the more ... you lose weight. Black, kidney, white and garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas) are good for fiber and protein. They fill you up and provide muscle-building material without any of the fat that meat can add to your meal.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Walnuts are packed with tryptophan, an amino acid your body needs to create the feel-great chemical serotonin. (In fact, Spanish researchers found that walnut eaters have higher levels of this natural mood-regulator.) Another perk: "They're digested slowly," said Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center. "This contributes to mood stability and can help you tolerate stress."

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

Asparagus is one of the best veggie sources of folate, a B vitamin that could help keep you out of a mental slump. "Folate is important for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine," said David Mischoulon, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. All of these are crucial for mood.

Delicious Mediterranean diet foods

It's not a requirement to drink it on this diet, but if you do drink alcohol, red wine in moderate amounts can be good for your health. Moderation means one drink for women and two for men, by the way. Studies show red wine can help protect against heart disease.

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Mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of breast cancer type, study says - CNN