Recent News of Interest

Grocery Stores Aim to Help Consumers Reach the Peak of Food Pyramid

In an effort to help consumers "scale the US food pyramid," grocery manufacturers and food producers launched a national campaign last week to help consumers follow the government's healthy-diet advice, says an article in The Washington Post.

Called "Take a Peak," the program highlights food and beverages that meet the latest federal guidelines for healthy eating and activity. About 2,000 grocery stores in 17 states are slated to roll out the program this year. Consumers will find aisle banners, kiosks, and other displays in stores that will help point them to items that are consistent with the dietary guidelines. For example, signs will remind shoppers how many servings of whole grains to eat daily (three) and then show the foods that equal a single serving.

The effort comes in response to a widely perceived problem with the 2005 food pyramid, says the Post. The guidelines on which the pyramid is based were praised by nutrition and consumer groups, but the redesigned pyramid was criticized for having little accessibility other than on the Web. The campaign and its new displays will "help put the government's message in front of shoppers as they roll their carts down grocery aisles."

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APTA's Public Relations Efforts Get Physical Therapy in the News

As a result of its proactive and ongoing public relations efforts that promote PTs as the practitioners of choice for people with conditions that affect movement and function, APTA's Public Relations Department received requests for interviews from two large media outlets this week -- Reuters Inc and WTTG, Fox 5, in Washington DC.

On Wednesday, Fox 5 contacted APTA for information on a story about handbag safety. Patrice Winter, PT, MPT, MS, FAAOMPT, was interviewed in Washington, DC, and the story aired Wednesday evening at 5 pm and 10 pm. Fox 5 has posted an extended interview with Winter on its Web site at www.myfoxdc.com. (Click on Patrice Winter - Extended Interview under the Seen on TV tab on the right side of the homepage.)

The Fox 5 story was a result of APTA's Public Relations Department fielding a media request from Reuters Inc on Tuesday. A reporter called inquiring about the hazards of carrying large, heavy purses and asked to speak with a PT. William Case, PT, was interviewed for the story, which broke Tuesday evening.

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Site Watch

The Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness Web Site, www.50plus.org, offers information for people age 50 and older to help expand their awareness of and involvement in health and fitness activities and "get and keep people moving."

Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness (formerly Fifty-Plus Fitness Association) is a 26-year-old nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote an active lifestyle for older people. The group started at Stanford University as an outgrowth of medical research on the value of exercise for older persons. It currently has about 2,000 members across the United States. Fifty-Plus publishes a newsletter, distributes books and videos, and sponsors physical activity events for midlife and older adults. One upcoming activity is the Annual Fitness Weekend, March 10-11 at Stanford, in conjunction with the Bay Area Senior Games.