news release

 

ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive

JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health

 SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

 

 

CONTACT:    

                           MARY LANDRIGAN (PIO)                                                         

                                                                                                                                    (914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                October 25, 2004

 

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY SCORES HIGH STATEWIDE IN EATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

 

A survey by the New York State Department of Health reveals that when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables, Westchester County residents rank second in New York State.  Nearly 32% of residents surveyed reported eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

“Though I am pleased that residents in Westchester are eating more fruits and vegetables than other New Yorkers, there’s still room for improvement,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner, Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H. “Nearly 70% of residents surveyed aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables.”

“Diets plentiful in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases prevalent in our community,” Dr. Lipsman continued. “Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other plant compounds called phytochemicals that are vital to good health. They also make great snacks because they are easy to eat and delicious.”

The survey results come from the annual Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) which

collects data on a representative sample of adults 18 years of age and older across the state. The telephone-based survey, designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asks the following six questions regarding the kinds of foods people usually eat or drink:

·         How often do you drink fruit juices such as orange, grapefruit, or tomato?

·         Not counting juice, how often do you eat fruit?

·         How often do you eat green salad?

·         How often do you eat potatoes not including french fries, fried potatoes, or potato chips?

·         How often do you eat carrots?

MORE

 

Fruits and Vegetables Page 2

·         Not counting carrots, potatoes, or salad, how many servings of vegetables do you usually eat?

While five servings of fruits and vegetables a day may sound like a lot, standard serving sizes are smaller than what most people think. A typical serving can be one of the following:

·         ¾ cup (6 oz.) 100% fruit or vegetable juice

·         1 medium-sized fruit (apple, orange, banana, etc..)

·         ½ cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit (in 100% fruit juice) 

·         ¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, apricots, dates, etc…)

·         ½ cup fresh, frozen or canned vegetables

·         1 cup raw leafy vegetables (lettuce, raw spinach, etc…)

“To help eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, add banana to your cereal, reach for an

apple or carrot sticks instead of a candy bar and add vegetables instead of pepperoni to your pizza,” Dr. Lipsman added. “Not only are you improving your own health, but you’re a role model for children whose eating habits often mimic those of the adults around them.”

On October 17th, The Department of Health and the Department of Parks and Recreation launched BeFit Westchester, which challenges County residents to increase physical activity. To motivate residents, the departments have organized a year’s worth of activities to help keep the focus on fitness.   In addition to the BeFit program, Health Department programs such as Eat Well Play Hard (EWPH) and Fit Kids emphasize the benefits of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as part of their goals to prevent childhood obesity and the risks associated with it.

            To help celebrate “National 5 A Day Month” in September, the Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, which serves 8,400 low-income women, infants and children conducted a vegetable-filled cooking demonstration. Yonkers WIC participants were offered taste tests and given recipes to try at home. WIC, a supplemental food and nutrition program encourages its participants to eat more fruits and vegetables everyday. In addition, each year the program participates in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program from July through October.  WIC eligible families receive $24 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmer markets. 

For more information on WIC, EWPH, Fit Kids and BeFit Westchester, visit the Health Department’s website at www.westchestergov.com/health  or call (914) 813-5000.

 

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