North
Dakota State University -- NDSU Agriculture
Communication7 Morrill Hall, Fargo ND, 58105-5655, Tel: 701-231-7881, Fax: 701-231-7044
agcomm@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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North
Dakota State University -- NDSU Agriculture
Communication 7 Morrill Hall, Fargo ND, 58105-5655, Tel: 701-231-7881, Fax: 701-231-7044 agcomm@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakotans Participate In Food and Nutrition SurveyNorth Dakotans are concerned about issues dealing with food safety, public education and proper nutrition and health. Those concerns were raised in a recent Web survey conducted by Julie Garden-Robinson, North Dakota State University Extension Service food and nutrition specialist. Food safety has become a top priority in America and to North Dakotans according to results of the survey. Of prime concern is food safety in the home and in food establishments. 194 participants, out of a pool of 345, indicated some concern regarding food safety at home while 189 respondents expressed concerns about food safety in food service establishments. "Food borne illnesses are responsible for many deaths and illnesses across America," Garden-Robinson says. "Those at risk are the elderly, pregnant women, the very young, and those with compromised immune systems." Participants were asked where additional emphasis should be placed in the area of nutrition and health in their community.
The risk for several chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are related to diet and physical activity. "Despite consumption of a varied diet and regular to moderate physical activity, evidence has shown that North Dakotans are not meeting national nutrition goals," Garden-Robinson says. To help prevent or control nutrition and health issues, there are some guidelines you can follow:
Most of the 345 participants agreed that brochures, face-to-face meetings, newspaper articles and news letters are the most effective educational/training tools. The data collected from the survey will help the NDSU Extension Service plan, coordinate and implement programs, with fellow partnership agencies, to better meet the needs of North Dakotans. A spring conference is scheduled for the end of March in which discussion and decisions will be made on new educational programs. A finalized plan should be completed by early summer according to Garden-Robinson. For more information about the food and nutrition survey contact your county agent or Julie Garden-Robinson at (701) 231-7187 or at jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu. ### Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu |