The EDGE: Dietitians debate benefits of fresh fruit vs. juice

Obama: Family food traditions can be part of a healthy lifestyle | U.S., EU to harmonize standards for nutrition, food safety | Startup boosts care of children with diabetes using interactive toy bear

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July 24, 2013

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Dietitians debate benefits of fresh fruit vs. juice
Nutrition experts say eating whole fruit is better than drinking juices because it includes the fiber that juice processing removes and does not have calories from added sugars. However, registered dietitian Elizabeth Ward, who is on Jamba Juice's Healthy Living Council, said the vitamins in juice make it healthier than beverages that only contain calories. Chicago Tribune (tiered subscription model) (7/24)

Dietary Health

Obama: Family food traditions can be part of a healthy lifestyle
First lady Michelle Obama spoke Tuesday about health, nutrition and obesity at the National Council of La Raza's conference. Obama shared her personal experience with food and family gatherings as a young girl and said that cultural food traditions and a focus on healthy eating can coexist. "We don't have to deprive ourselves to lead a healthy lifestyle," she said. The Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (7/23)

U.S., EU to harmonize standards for nutrition, food safety
The U.S. and EU agreed to have compatible standards for nutrition, food safety and nanotechnology in an effort to remove tariffs and unnecessary regulations and promote trade. The initiative will include exchanging scientific and technical information, providing access to scientific infrastructure, exchanging experts, and support for training scientists and experts. FoodNavigator (7/23)

Startup boosts care of children with diabetes using interactive toy bear
A toy named Jerry the Bear was unveiled by startup Sproutel to guide children with type 1 diabetes in managing their condition. The stuffed animal, which is equipped with sensors, radio-frequency identification, an insulin pen and a backpack, is designed to teach children about maintaining a healthy diet as well as monitoring their blood glucose levels by letting them provide the same care for the bear that they receive themselves. The company plans to enhance Jerry by adding a report card service that informs parents about the play patterns of their children. MedCityNews.com (7/22)

Science & Research

Ethanol locks improve catheter-associated infection management
A study found that ethanol locks could help prevent catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients on home parenteral nutrition. The researchers analyzed the use of ethanol locks and CRBSIs from 2010 to 2013 and found the rates of new HPN patients discharged with ethanol lock was 36.8%, 29.4%, 69.9% and 65%, respectively. Medscape (free registration)/Reuters (7/22)

Student athletes should avoid fad diets, researcher says
Oregon State University nutrition professor Melinda Manore says many students are urged to try fad diets or lose weight in unhealthy ways. Manore, who published a review of study data in the Nestle Nutrition Institution Workshop Series, said strategies that athletes can use to maintain a healthy weight include having a high-fiber, high-quality protein breakfast, consuming enough protein throughout the day, regularly exercising and avoiding fad diets. The Oregonian (Portland) (7/23)

Fitness

Fitwall offers new option for indoor workouts
Fitwall, a 7-foot-tall piece of exercise equipment that looks like a magazine rack, initially was designed for individual use but is making its way into clubs in California. The indoor workout option uses iPads connected to the unit and to the exerciser to transmit performance data throughout a 40-minute session. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model)/Innovations blog (7/23)