Media Kit
Nutrition and Exercise
A healthy lifestyle can prevent a variety of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also improve the quality of life for those already suffering from health complications. Whether you are looking for information on living with Type 2 diabetes, a list of nutrition and health-related experts, or news articles on healthy food and the importance of physical activity, Virginia Cooperative Extension has research-based knowledge on nutrition and exercise for you. The following media also contains links to magazine articles on childhood nutrition and healthy seniors as well as audio on vending machines in public schools and the “Freshman 15.”
Latest News
A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for type-2 diabetes sufferers (February 2007)
The American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 20.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes and many others are at risk for developing the chronic disease. But with proper nutrition and regular physical activity, a diabetic or borderline diabetic can still maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Experts
Debbie Jones, health promotion Extension specialist and assistant professor of public health at Virginia State University, (804) 524-5847, dsjones@vsu.edu
Elena Serrano, nutrition Extension specialist and assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise, (540) 231-3464, serrano@vt.edu
News Releases
Water is key in keeping body healthy (August 2007)
With warm weather just around the corner, it’s important to remember to keep the body hydrated during the hot days of summer.
New college students settling into choosing foods for themselves (August 2007)
For many college freshmen, the first day of college is the first time in their lives they choose when, where, and what they eat. Suddenly the high school routine of breakfast, lunch, occasional snacks, and home cooked meals change into daily visits to the burger or chicken sandwich emporiums and midnight pizza runs. The daily workout routine of track, basketball, softball, and cheerleading practice is replaced with daily walks to various dining halls and late-night meals while studying.
With moderation, pizza can still be part of a healthy diet (August 2007)
Because people are becoming more health conscious, many are now looking for healthier ways to eat their favorite foods.
Publications
Extension has health, nutrition, and foods publications about cancer prevention, childhood nutrition, heart disease, and much more.
Magazine Articles
Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids (Solutions, June 2007)
Most parents would be ecstatic to hear their children ask for a healthy snack instead of ice cream, cookies, or soda when they come home from school. A child and adolescent nutrition education program from Virginia Cooperative Extension has made this dream a reality for many parents throughout the commonwealth.
Living with Diabetes (Solutions, June 2007)
The American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 20.8 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. With this number increasing every day, community-based educational programs to assist those living with the disease are more important than ever.
Seniors fit physical activity into their daily schedule (Solutions, June 2007)
Getting the recommended amount of physical activity is a challenge and an important goal for everyone, especially seniors. When Joan Wages, family and consumer sciences agent in Patrick County, learned about a curriculum to help seniors find time for physical activity, she jumped at the opportunity to bring the program to her community.
Multimedia
Professor studies the dreaded “Freshman 15” (August 2005)
Virginia Tech radio soundline with Kathy Hosig, professor of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
Kids, snacks, and obesity (April 2005)
Radio news feature with Elena Serrano, nutrition Extension specialist
Vending machines in public schools (February 2004)
Virginia Tech radio soundline with Elena Serrano, nutrition Extension specialist
Virginia Action for Healthy Kids combats childhood obesity (February 2004)
Virginia Tech radio soundline with Elena Serrano, nutrition Extension specialist
All video and audio resources are courtesy of University Relations Office of Visual and Broadcast Communications.
Additional Resources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains MyPyramid.gov, the official website for dietary guidelines and tips for healthful eating practices.
As a part of a national public-private partnership of more than 50 organizations and government agencies representing education, health, fitness and nutrition, Virginia Action for Healthy Kids addresses the epidemic of overweight, sedentary, and undernourished youth by focusing on changes in schools to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.
Many counties and cities have family and consumer science agents with resources on holiday food safety. Contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for more information about a program in your area.
Extension also has a directory of media contacts on all of the topics it covers. If you need help locating a source or looking for additional information, contact Michael Sutphin at (540) 231-6975 or Lori Greiner at (540) 231-5863.
