September 11, 2001
Celebrate "5 a Day Week", September 9 - 15, 2001
"Yes You Can!" Eat 5 A Day
BINGHAMTON, NY - New findings from the National Cancer Institute indicate that more people than ever--almost 30 percent of Americans--recognize the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Although the numbers are up, people still report obstacles to eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Seventy percent of Americans are still not aware of the connection between eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables and reducing the risk of cancer.
This year, the National Cancer Institute and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the partners of the 5 A Day program over the past 10 years, are finding ways to make it easier than ever for people to get their much needed fruits and vegetables. The theme for the program's 10th Anniversary is "5 A Day: Yes You Can!" The 5 A Day Program for Better Health is using 5 A Day Week 2001, September 9-15, as an opportunity to let Americans know ways to overcome common barriers to meeting the 5 A Day goal. Too little time? Too little money? Too busy to cook? Not tuned in to healthy eating? Can't seem to get 5 A Day? With this series of tips and recipes, the 5 A Day program says, Yes You Can!
Why 5 A Day?
A study published in 2000 by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, released earlier this year showed that Americans are sick of conflicting or constantly changing health messages. Eat carbs...don't eat carbs. All meat...no meat. Fortunately, in this whirlwind of fluctuating diet suggestions, the 5 A Day program has been a constant for ten years, praising fruit and vegetables' nutrient content, delicious tastes and savory smells, and tipping people off to simple and fun ways to prepare them.
The 5 A Day message remains a powerful one with over 100 studies from decades of research showing the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Thousands of scientists are working hard on two major health issues: ways to control cancer and its causes. With many questions left to answer, they find agreement on at least two very basic issues: about 35% of all cancers may be related to the diet, and five or more servings of fruits or vegetables a day may help reduce the risk. In addition to their role in disease prevention, fruit and vegetables are a great tasting source of energy, key to regularity, and help people to feel and look great.
Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
According to recent findings from the National Cancer Institute, a significantly greater percentage of the population is now aware that eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables is necessary for better health. While more Americans know about the 5 A Day message, there are significant numbers of people whom the program still needs to reach. Total vegetable and fruit consumption has increased among Hispanic-Americans and whites not of Hispanic origin, but decreased among African-Americans. The proportion of African-Americans eating at least five daily servings of vegetables and fruit decreased by almost three percentage points, which is especially alarming given the disproportionate burden of cancer among African-Americans. For this reason, the National Cancer Institute is making every effort in its tenth year to say "5 A Day: Yes You Can!" to all audiences.
Celebrating 5 A Day Week 2001
Though the benefits of eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily are clear, additional 5 A Day research shows that consumers still believe eating 5 A Day is difficult. The most commonly cited barriers to eating fruits and vegetables include busy lifestyles, length of preparation time, perceptions of high costs, competing family demands, and lack of sensory appeal. These obstacles are surmountable, however, and the 5 A Day for Better Health program has compiled 5 tip sheets to help show people how to get more fruits and vegetables every day:
5 A Day in 5 Minutes A Day
Whether its snacking on dried fruit or eating weekday dinners of weekend leftovers, people can overcome time constraints with these smart minute-saving suggestions.
5 A Day on $5 A Day
Canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables all count toward 5 A Day, so a tight budget does not mean a dead-end for healthy eaters. Get creative with these dollar-saving tips.
5 A Day with 5 Kids A Day
Parents can help their kids eat right and boost their own healthy eating habits with quick pointers on the most kid-friendly fruit and vegetable recipes and preparation techniques.
5 A Day at 5 Locations A Day
People on the go know that some restaurants and eateries aren't always fruit and veggie friendly. But there are several easy steps people can take to reach their 5 A Day goal, anytime, anywhere.
5 A Day for 5 Senses A Day
Eat fruit and vegetables, just for the taste of them...and touch of them, look of them, sound of them, and smell of them!
With daily plans, quick tips and easy, delicious recipes, even the most ardent nay-sayers will find themselves feasting on fruits and vegetables. 5 A Day is a terrific and necessary way to eat your way to health. For 5 A Day Week and beyond, don't forget: Yes You Can!
The 5 A Day program is a joint initiative of many public and private partners, including the National Cancer Institute, the Produce for Better Health Foundation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables to at least five servings daily for better overall health. For more recipes and ideas on how enrich your diet with fruits and vegetables, check out the 5 A Day web site at http://www.5aday.gov/.
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