Search

The purpose of this study was to examine fruit and vegetable consumption reported by Florida middle school and high school students and to determine if consumption was associated with: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) body mass index (BMI); and/or (3) weight loss behaviors. Data from the 2009 Florida YRBS and the MSHBS were used. Both surveys used a two-stage cluster sample design, producing a representative sample of students. In addition to socio- demographic variables, independent variables included engaging in weight loss behaviors. Dependent variables were adequate fruit and adequate vegetable consumption. Descriptive, chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results indicated that less than 25% of youth reported consumption of adequate amounts of fruit and less than 10% reported consuming adequate amounts of vegetables. No significant relationships were found between BMI and either fruit or vegetable consumption. Exercising, both exercising and dieting, fasting, and using pills /powders to lose weight were significantly associated with adequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Dieting to lose weight was significantly associated with adequate vegetable but not adequate fruit consumption. Interventions promoting healthy weight for children and adolescents need to address positive and negative behaviors and encourage greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Numerous dietary advice plate icons are currently being promoted in the United States. These icons are based on scientific studies related to diet and the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases. Icons also have been targeted to specific populations related to age, ethnicity, eating preferences, and level of physical activity. Plate icons currently being advocated stress the importance of portion size and the desirability of fruit and vegetable consumption while giving other types of advice as well. The multiplicity of icons may enable more individually tailored dietary advice but may also be confusing for the public. This paper reviews 16 plate icons to enable public health practitioners and nutrition educators to help clients make the most appropriate decisions regarding the use of plate images in planning meals.

Florida faces an epidemic of overweight and obesity primarily due to an imbalance of caloric intake and physical activity modulated by multiple physiologic and cultural factors. The overweight and obesity issue notwithstand- ing, Florida’s public health efforts must also continue to address problems related to food insecurity and hunger. Although much of the focus concerning food insecurity has been at the individual or household level, there is also discussion among policymakers, food experts, and community members about the need to focus on food security at the community-level as well. This commentary examines Florida’s current food security issues.

Customer service is a measure of support and courtesy provided to individuals who patronize an organization, and is a factor vital to the success of any business. Programs that strive to meet critical needs of at risk populations, such as the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), may also benefit from assessment of client satisfaction. The purpose of the study was to examine factors related to customer satisfaction in Duval County Florida WIC clinics and identify potential barriers to participation through a two-year project initiated by the health department and the state university. The study examined appointment wait time, duration of appointment, the preferred time of day and day of the week for appointment scheduling, and customer service practices in WIC clinics from the perspective of WIC participants. Results suggest that most WIC participants served by the Duval County Health Department were satisfied; however, three areas exist for improvement. The most salient issue reported by clients was duration of appointment wait time, continued improved customer service, and to a lesser extent improvement in the physical environment. Clients provided suggestions for improvement related to each of these areas.

Soliciting practitioner input into the planning or revision of Master of Public Health programs is desirable to ensure that students are adequately prepared for public health practice. Members of the American Dietetic Association Public Health/Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (ADA-PH/CNDPG) were surveyed regarding the structure of, as well as the knowledge and skills desirable for, inclusion in a Master of Public Health community nutrition program. A total of 998 surveys were mailed in June 2001 with a return rate of 34%. Approximately 73% of respondents indicated public health employment. The average response regarding optimal time for full-time degree completion was 21.5 months. Almost 60% indicated that a practice component should be required. Important topics to be included in a degree core were assessed as: (1) community assessment; (2) program planning; and (3) health promotion/disease prevention. Nutrition content areas ranked highest were: (1) nutritional epidemiology; (2) nutrition and chronic disease; and (3) nutritional assessment. Core areas ranked highest to be separate courses were: (1) epidemiology; (2) community assessment; and (3) health promotion/ disease prevention. Nutrition areas ranked highest to be separate courses were: (1) nutritional epidemiology; (2) nutrition education; and (3) nutrition and chronic disease prevention. Survey results will help educators better prepare students for practice.