Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kaylyn Kendall Dines
(973) 972-7276
E-mail: dineskd@umdnj.edu
www.umdnj.edu

At UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions
Nutrition Experts at UMDNJ Sponsor Free Program on Calcium Intake
March is National Nutrition Month

How much calcium is adequate for a healthy diet? Should calcium intake go beyond drinking a glass of milk every day? Nutrition experts at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) are offering a free program to answer these questions and discuss the connection between calcium consumption and preventive health.

The "Embrace Life the Healthy Way; Let 3-A-Day Enhance Your Way" program will take place on Thursday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Food and Nutrition Center at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains. This community outreach program is being sponsored by the Dietetic Internship Program at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions in celebration of National Nutrition Month.

Gerri McKay, associate clinical professor and clinical coordinator of the Dietetic Internship Program at the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions, said, "Calcium is a vital nutrient for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. This program is designed to help participants understand options for incorporating calcium-rich foods into their meals. While research indicates that calcium is important for bone health, when combined with exercise, calcium also can help reduce the risk of hypertension, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity."

One program registrant will be selected to receive a complementary nutrition evaluation. The evaluation includes a dietary assessment that focuses on adequate calcium intake. This computerized analysis is worth approximately $200.

Faculty and students from the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions will answer questions at nutrition exhibits. During culinary presentations, they will demonstrate quick and creative recipes for calcium foods and snacks and provide participants with samples to taste.

In addition, nutrition experts will discuss facts and misconceptions about lactose intolerance. Dairy products such as milk, soy and yogurt will be highlighted in a discussion about managing calcium intake and planning meals.

Representatives from the American Dietetic Association, National Medical Association, National Academy of Pediatrics, the National Academy of Family Physicians, the National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association created the "3-A-Day" campaign to increase consumer awareness and emphasize the importance of calcium intake.

For more information about the program, call Ms. McKay, of the UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions, at 908-889-2459.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey comprises the state's only three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, school of health related professions, school of nursing and a school of public health on campuses in Newark, Piscataway/New Brunswick, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ also operates UMDNJ-University Hospital in Newark and University Behavioral HealthCare. It is affiliated with more than 200 health care and educational institutions throughout the state.

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