Greetings Dear Potential Diet in the Key of Cee Radio Program Sponsor,
You just came from the doctor's office where you learned that you have diabetes. You were handed a prescription for pills, a brochure on diabetes, and told to watch your rice, sugar intake and your weight, and return in a few weeks. You are anxious, fearful, lost. You read the brochure but you are still confused about what to do. You cry "I have to give up my favorite foods! What is diabetes? Am I going to die?
This scenario above, and others like it are being played out all over America and the world, especially in poorer communities - such as those in the Bronx, New York. It is with great joy that I present Diet in the Key of Cee Radio Program sponsorship letter. This program, dedicated to providing nutrition health information based on scientific evidence, and tips, punctuated by healing music - to inspire us to make informed choices about the foods we eat, airs each Sunday evening at six o'clock PM on Sela Radio, 88.9 FM in the Bronx, and streams on selaradio.com
Who I Am
My name is Claudette (Cee) Josephs, a passionate, practicing Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 30 years, for individuals, corporations, community organizations such as churches, clubs, and medical institutions. Because of my excellent education (Masters in dietetics and nutrition from New York University) and experience, I have expertise in several specialties, including diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, environmental nutrition, and sports and athletics. I am therefore in an excellent position to share my vast knowledge, and understanding of nutrition issues - translating nutrition science into tasty and healthy lifestyles - thus helping the community to achieve optimal health.
Currently I serve HIV/AIDS clients with substance abuse and/or mental disease, providing medical nutrition therapy, education and counseling. I also manage a pantry and conduct cooking classes for this challenged community. I own several blogging sites on nutrition, including Diet in The Key of Cee, CBlog, and write for The Good News Chronicles. In addition, under the stage name Cee Josephs, I am an accomplished gospel singer and songwriter, making nutrition presentations during my music performance ministry.
Sela Radio
Sela Radio is a fledgling radio and internet stream dedicated to inspire, empower and educate the hearts and minds of millions with the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ, through its programming and community active outreach programs.The health message we believe, is the right arm of the gospel.
Diet in the Key of Cee is already being broadcast, and the call-ins, posts and log on stats indicate the great interest and need the public has for this information. In fact it is estimated that over sixty eight (68%) percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Twenty nine (29%) have high blood pressure, and one in six (1 in 6) persons have high cholesterol - all these being risk factors for heart disease, the number one killer in America. We are not meeting the recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, fiber and exercise. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "a diet high in fruits and vegetables...a healthy diet is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases".
Learning the why of good nutrition principles; making sense of the vast knowledge base of information and misinformation provided on the internet, television and the doctor, and utilizing these principles and recommendations as outlined by Diet in The Key of Cee, will go a far way in helping people make informed choices towards better health. I shudder to imagine what will become of America and the world's citizens, if we continue on the road on which we are going!
What We Need and What You Will Get
To continue with this ministry we need to raise $10,000. This will pay for time slots (Yes, we would like to be in as many slots as possible, to get the message to as many people as we can), for research, to purchase a laptop (to have information at our fingertips, since we provide call in opportunity), to record the shows (audio, video, and pictures) for documentation and marketing, and for transportation. Of course, the show will go on even if all the money is not raised. We will simply have to decrease our time slots or forgo the recordings. However we plan to reach out to the listening/viewing public, from friend to friend, family to family - anywhere we can get funds. This is how much we believe in the need and effectiveness of our ministry.
In helping us make a success of this ministry you will be rewarded by having your name or company recognized on the air. This, with a $10 minimum contribution. For a minimum of $50 you will receive one of our 'Nutrition on Music' video series, providing nutrition nuggets and action tips on topics of interest, set to music and colorful backgrounds. Other Ways You Can Help We would be very delighted and grateful if you would also get the word out and make some noise about our campaign. Please use all of your share media like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube to spread the word about this very worthy cause. Thank you!<p>
Tips for Older Dietary Supplement Users Introduction
Can Dietary Supplements Help Older Consumers?
Even if you eat a wide variety of foods, how can you be sure that you are getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need as you get older? If you are over 50, your nutritional needs may change. Informed food choices are the first place to start, making sure you get a variety of foods while watching your calorie intake. Supplements and fortified foods may also help you get appropriate amounts of nutrients. To help you make informed decisions, talk to your doctor and/or registered dietitian. They can work together with you to determine if your intake of a specific nutrient might be too low or too high and then decide how you can achieve a balance between the foods and nutrients you personally need.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Today's dietary supplements are not only vitamins and minerals. They also include other less-familiar substances, such as herbals, botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and animal extracts. Some dietary supplements are well understood and established, but others need further study.
Whatever your choice, supplements should not replace the variety of foods important to a healthful diet. Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not pre-approved by the government for safety or effectiveness before marketing. Also, unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases. But some supplements can help assure that you get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others may help you reduce your risk of disease. Some older people, for example, are tired due to low iron levels. In that case, their doctor may recommend an iron supplement.
At times, it can be confusing to tell the difference between a dietary supplement, a food, or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This is because supplements, by law, come in a variety of forms that resemble these products, such as tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, or drinks. One way to know if a product is a dietary supplement is to look for the Supplement Facts label on the product.
Are There Any Risks, Especially to Older Consumers?
While certain products may be helpful to some older individuals, there may be circumstances when these products may not benefit your health or when they may create unexpected risks. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects in the body. This could make them unsafe in some situations and hurt or complicate your health. For example: • Are you taking both medicines and supplements? Are you substituting one for the other? Taking a combination of supplements, using these products together with medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter), or substituting them in place of medicines your doctor prescribes could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results.
Be alert to any advisories about these products. Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an over-the-counter drug), and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood. Taking any of these products alone or together can increase the potential for internal bleeding or stroke.
Another example is St. John's wort that may reduce the effectiveness of prescription drugs for heart disease, depression, seizures, certain cancers, or HIV. •
Are you planning surgery? Some supplements can have unwanted effects before, during, and after surgery. It is important to fully inform your health care professional, including your pharmacist, about the vitamins, minerals, herbals, and any other supplements you are taking, especially before surgery. You may be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions - such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or bleeding risk that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery. •
Is taking more of a good thing better?
Some people might think that if a little is good, taking a lot is even better. But taking too much of some nutrients, even vitamins and minerals, can also cause problems. Depending on the supplement, your age, and the status of your health, taking more than 100% of the Daily Value (DV) (see the Supplements Facts panel) of certain vitamins and minerals, e.g. Vitamin A, vitamin D, and iron (from supplements and food sources like vitamin-fortified cereals and drinks) may actually harm your health. Large amounts can also interfere with how your medicines work. Remember: Your combined intake from all supplements (including multivitamins, single supplements, and combination products) plus fortified foods, like some cereals and drinks, could cause health problems.
Why Speak to My Healthcare Provider about Dietary Supplements?
You and your health professionals (doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, and other caregivers) are a team working toward a common goal -- to develop a personalized health plan for you. Your doctor and other members of the health team can help monitor your medical condition and overall health, especially if any problems develop. Although they may not immediately have answers to your questions, these health professionals have access to the most current research on dietary supplements.
There are numerous resources that provide information about dietary supplements. These include TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, store clerks, friends, family, or the Internet. It is important to question recommendations from people who have no formal training in nutrition, botanicals, or medicine.
While some of these sources, like the Web, may seem to offer a wealth of accurate information, these same sources may contain misinformation that may not be obvious. Given the abundance and conflicting nature of information now available about supplements, it is more important than ever to partner with your healthcare team to sort the reliable information from the questionable.
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Here are some signs of a false claim: Statements that the product is a quick and effective "cure-all." For example: "Extremely beneficial in treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, infections, prostate problems, ulcers, cancer, heart trouble, hardening of the arteries, and more." Statements that suggest the product can treat or cure diseases. For example: "shrinks tumors" or "cures impotency." Actually, these are drug claims and should not be made for dietary supplements.
Statements that claim the product is "totally safe," "all natural," or has "definitely no side effects." Promotions that use words like "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "exclusive product," "secret ingredient," or "ancient remedy." For example: "A scientific breakthrough formulated by using proven principles of natural health-based medical science." Text that uses overly impressive-sounding terms, like those for a weight-loss product: "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis." Personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results. For example: "My husband has Alzheimer's. He began eating a teaspoonful of this product each day. And now in just 22 days, he mowed the grass, cleaned out the garage, and weeded the flower beds; we take our morning walk together again." Limited availability and advance payment required. For example: "Hurry. This offer will not last. Send us a check now to reserve your supply." Promises of no-risk "money-back guarantees." For example: "If after 30 days you have not lost at least 4 pounds each week, your uncashed check will be returned to you."
We may think, "Even if a product may not help me, it at least won't hurt me." It's best not to assume that this will always be true. Some product ingredients, including nutrients and plant components, can be toxic based on their activity in your body. Some products may become harmful when consumed in high enough amounts, for a long enough time, or in combination with certain other substances.
>The term 'natural' does not always mean safe. Do not assume this term assures wholesomeness or that these products have milder effects, making them safer to use than prescribed drugs. For example, many weight-loss products claim to be "natural" or "herbal" but this doesn't necessarily make them safe. The products' ingredients may interact with drugs or may be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions. • Spend your money wisely. Some supplement products may be expensive and may not work, given your specific condition. Be wary of substituting a product or therapy for prescription medicines. Be sure to talk with your healthcare team to help you determine what is best for your overall health.
Ask for more information and consult your doctor, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, and/or caregiver about whether the product is right for you and safe for you to use.
Who Is Responsible For Ensuring The Safety And Efficacy Of Dietary Supplements?
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplement products are not reviewed by the government before they are marketed. Under the law, manufacturers of dietary supplements are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they go to market. If you want to know more about the product you are purchasing, check with the manufacturer to find out if the firm: • Can supply information to support the claims for their products • Can share information on the safety or efficacy of the ingredients in the product • Has received any adverse event reports from consumers using their products
What is FDA's Responsibility?
FDA has the responsibility to take action against unsafe dietary supplement products after they reach the market. The agency may also take legal action against dietary supplement manufacturers if FDA can prove that claims on marketed dietary supplements are false and misleading.
What's The Bottom Line?
Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet, not to cure, prevent, or treat diseases or replace the variety of foods important to a healthful diet. • Supplements can help you meet daily requirements for certain nutrients, but when you combine drugs and foods, too much of some nutrients can also cause problems. • Many factors play a role in deciding if a supplement is right for you, including possible drug interactions and side effects. • Do not self-diagnose any health condition. Together, you and your healthcare team can make the best decision for optimal health.
Examples of Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements
Because many products are marketed as dietary supplements, it is important to remember that supplements include botanical/herbal as well as vitamin/mineral products.
The list* below gives some examples of products you may see sold as dietary supplements. It is not possible to list them all here. Note: the examples provided do not represent either an endorsement or approval by FDA or any coalition members.
Vitamins, Minerals, Nutrients Botanicals and Other Substances Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Vitamin B Complex Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Calcium Fiber Folic Acid Zinc Iron Beta-carotene Omega 3 Fatty Acids Acidophilus Black Cohosh Ginger Evening Primrose Oil Echinacea Garlic Ginkgo Biloba Fish Oil Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulphate St. John's wort Saw Palmetto
*Adapted from A Healthcare Professional's Guide to Evaluating Dietary Supplements, the American Dietetic Association & American Pharmaceutical Association Special Report. (2000) Savvy Consumers Share Information With Their Health Care Team Organizations that contributed to this article The Administration on Aging (Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)), American Academy of Family Physicians, AARP, American Dietetic Association, American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration (DHHS), Food Marketing Institute, International Food Information Council Foundation, National Council on Patient Information and Education, Office of Dietary Supplements (National Institutes of Health, DHHS), and Office on Women's Health (DHHS).
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