NCES Introduces Teen MyPyramid

Olathe, Kan. (June 26, 2008)

NCES, an industry leader in nutrition education, has turned its focus to the underserved teenage market with their newest product, Teen MyPyramid, an educational brochure designed to motivate teens to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

Teen MyPyramid, created by NCES dietitians and nutrition educators, provides age-specific nutrition and exercise tips to help teens make the right choices for their growing bodies. Adapted from the MyPyramid guidelines established by the USDA, Teen MyPyramid includes specific food group information, as well as recommended daily physical activity based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“There has been a lot of focus on educating young children about proper nutrition, but it is important not to forget about educating teens,” says Chris Jackson, NCES President. “As they transition from child to adult, teens need to be given the proper tools and education so they are able to make their own healthy lifestyle choices.”

Teen MyPyramid shows teens how to utilize nutrition labels, proper portion sizes, food group breakdowns, sample menus, and a breakdown of nutrients a growing body needs to be healthy. Other healthy tips and activities are included to motivate teens by showing that you can have fun getting fit and healthy.

In response to the rising obesity rate in our nation, NCES believes the first step is to encourage healthy habits through nutritional education. Today, more than 9 million adolescents and young adults are overweight, according to the American Heart Association.

Overweight teens don’t just suffer from societal pressures and poor self image; they are at high risk for such ailments as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure – both previously considered to be limited to adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – and have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults.

Jackson added, “Teens today are surrounded by video games and fast food. Teen MyPyramid helps take the guesswork out of living a healthy lifestyle and empowers teens to take responsibility and control of their nutritional choices.”

About NCES
Founded in 1989, NCES is an Olathe, Kan. based company that provides nutrition education resources in the form of books, manuals, videos and teaching tools for educators, public health officials, health care professionals and consumers. NCES offers more than 300 titles, in English and Spanish, in their catalog of health and nutrition materials, including a number of products developed exclusively by NCES.

Teen MyPyramid and other NCES products can be found online at www.ncescatalog.com.

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