Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Massachusetts launches Mass in Motion Program andoverma
Massachusetts attorney Thomas M. Kiley, http://www.tomkileylaw.com, concentrates on laws affecting health issues. The state of Massachusetts has launched a new program to improve the health of its citizens.
The website has information about developing better eating and exercising habits to improve health and lead longer lives. The Mass in Motion program coordinates efforts with the Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov, that has information on Physical Activity and also offers several videos to help people get started developing healthy eating and exercising habits.
The Mass in Motion Program includes helpful advice about eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat or non-fat milk. It also advises against eating food that is high in fat and sugar. Eating better helps people look and feel better, control their weight, have more energy, and lowers the chances of developing certain diseases. Children who eat better and exercise do better in school and feel better about themselves.
The Mass in Motion Program recommends that most people need at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Fruit and Vegetable Servings
* 1./2 cup chopped fruits or vegetables
* 1 medium piece of fruit (the size of a tennis ball)
* ¼ cup dried fruit
* ¾ cup vegetable juice
* ½ cup 100% fruit juice
* 1 cup leafy green vegetables
You also need 7-8 servings of grains.
* 1 slice of whole grain bread
* 1 cup of dry cereal
* ½ cup of cook whole grain cereal or oatmeal
* ½ cup cooked rice (brown is best)
* ½ cup pasta (whole wheat is best)
Lean Meats (including fish and poultry)
* 6 ounces per day- (the size of 2 decks of cards)
* 1 cup Beans and rice and or soy products such as tofu
Milk
* 1 cup 1% or non-fat milk
* 1 cup low-fat or non-fat yogurt
The Program recommends choosing lots of different colors for fruit and vegetables- purple, green, red, orange, yellow and white. Buying fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season can help save money. Farmers' Markets are a great place to shop in the summer, and many of them take WIC coupons. Be sure to look for fruit without added sugar or syrups and vegetables without added salt, butter, or cream sauces.
In addition to eating healthy foods, moving every day helps lower the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and some types of cancer. Exercising helps deal with stress, helps people to lose weight, and builds strong muscles and bones; and gives people energy to get through the day. Moving also helps kids do better in school, grow up strong, and feel better about themselves.
No matter the age, moving can help people feel better. The CDC Physical Activity website recommends:
* 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity activity each week; muscle-strengthening activities 2 times a week
* 5 hours of moderate activity or 2 1/2 hours of vigorous activity each week
* combine a healthy diet with at least an hour of moderate to vigorous intensity activity every day
* Kids need an hour of activity every day to stay healthy and grow up strong. Visit the CDC's Physical Activity website for ideas about fun and healthy activities for kids.
Resources for Parents: (http://www.mass.gov/massinmotion)
* Making Healthy Choices
* Information about Kids and Physical Activity
* Get Your Family Moving
* Tips for Active Kid
* Great Moves! Weight Management Program
