12/23/14

Your homework over break is to answer one (simple?) question: What is the relationship between diet and cancer? In order to answer this question, you should read about and take notes about topics like:
- what is cancer?
- why is cancer a problem?
- what evidence is there that links diet to (certain types of) cancer?
- what questions remain?

On Monday, January 5th, 2015 (!) you will return to class with a written discussion of your answer to this question. Your response should be at least one full page typed, but no more than two pages. In addition, it should include an MLA or APA formatted bibliography. This is because the source(s) of your information matters.

Useful Resources 
Preventing Cancer - NY Times
Cancer (there are several different options) - Harvard School of Public Health
Diet, healthy eating, and cancer - Cancer Research UK

12/22/14

Your homework is to complete your notes about hypertension. Think about the types of information that could be useful/important and set up your notes accordingly. In class, we agreed that Symptoms/Signs, Risk Factors/Causes, Incidence/Prevalence, and Prevention/Cures would be useful headings under which to organize your notetaking and research.

Useful resources
Hypetension - TheVisualMD
High Blood Pressure Facts - cdc.gov
About High Blood Pressure - American Heart Association

12/19/14

Your homework for the weekend to complete the recipe reflection where you:

1. choose a recipe
2. change it to make it heart healthier or lower in glycemic index (or a choose a recipe that already has been already)
3. explain how and why you changed the recipe.

Remember that you also need to review your notes in preparation for Monday's check-in. Think about...

what happens to glucose and insulin after you consume carbohydrates?
how does diabetes disrupt this process?
what are the warning signs of diabetes?
what are the warning signs of cardiovascular disease?
what happens during atherosclerosis? How does artheroschlerosis lead to a stroke or car

Also, our holiday food celebration will take place on Tuesday. Get psyched.

12/17/14

Your homework for tonight is to complete the tasks from class (located on the notes handout from today). To do so, you first need to complete the Harvard Healthy Heart Score Survey (apparently you need to pretend as though you are 20 years old - sorry) and then read the handout from class. 

• How can diet affect the progression of atherosclerosis?
• Now that you are more aware of the causes of atherosclerosis, what is your reaction?
• Do you feel as though you are at a high risk? Low risk? Why?
• What behaviors/choices could you change to lower your risk of atherosclerosis?
• What barriers exist to making those changes?

There will be a check-in on Friday.

12/16/14

Tonight's homework is to read about and take notes about coronary heart/cardiovascular disease. Notes could include the causes and symptoms of these diseases and who is most affected by them.

Useful resources
Coronary Heart Disease - American Heart Association
What Is Coronary Heart Disease? - National Institute of Health
Interactive Cardiovascular Library - American Heart Association

12/15/14

Tonight's homework is to complete the task at the end of the notes and write (at least) a half page reflection answering the following:

• Why should we be concerned about diabetes?
• How and why is the incidence of diabetes changing?
• What is the relationship between diet and diabetes?

Resources

The Weight of the Nation - Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes by HBO Films

12/12/14

Your homework this weekend is to read about the causes and symptoms of diabetes. Use the links below as resources to help you review/learn more and prepare for Monday's class.

Resources
Causes of Diabetes from the National Institute of Health
What is Diabetes? from diabetes.co.uk

12/11/14

Tonight's homework is to review and revise your notes in preparation of tomorrow's check-in and in-class writing assignment.

Resources
Influence of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture on Childhood Obesity (article from class today)

12/10/14

Tonight's homework is to read The New Face of Hunger from National Geographic and add to your answer to the question “Why is being overweight/obese so prevalent in the United States?”

Resources
SES and Obesity Data (from class today)

12/9/14

Tonight's homework is to gather evidence to answer the following questions:

• Which biological factors cause obesity? 
• How do they work to promote the risk of obesity? 

• At this point, why do you think there are so many obese/overweight people in the United States?

Resources

Sugar Love from National Geographic (easier)

Is Obesity An Addiction? from Scientific Amercian

Obesity from SciShow

12/8/14

Tonight's homework is to complete your notes regarding basic information about obesity, its prevalence, and its consequences.

The task from class...

Develop a better understanding of obesity in the U.S. by thinking and writing about:
- What is obesity? How is it different than being overweight?
- How prevalent is obesity?
- Why should people be concerned about obesity?
- Should obesity be considered an “epidemic?” Why or why not?

-What questions do you have about obesity?
Resources from class today
Obesity and Overweight Statistics
Economic Costs of Obesity

Other resources
Health Effects of Obesity
F is for Americans Getting Fatter
Interactive: Obesity Rates by State

12/5/14

This weekend's homework is to complete Assignment 25. The questions that you received in class are also found below. The reading required can be accessed here.

Assignment #25 Food vs. Pills: Looking for Micronutrients

Answer all of the following questions to the best of your ability in complete sentences.

Pre-Reading Questions – Complete these before reading the article.

1. What are your thoughts on nutritional supplements like multivitamins? For example, do you think that they are a good idea and everyone should consume them? Or are they unnecessary? Harmful? Explain.

2. Do you consume nutritional supplements? Why or why not?

Post-Reading Questions – Complete these after reading the article.

3. Summarize what you learned from this article.

4. Based on this article, what recommendations would you make to other students looking to eat healthier?

Want to do something?

So in addition to taking direct action and protesting, etc. (in response to recent events in Ferguson, Cleveland, Staten Island, and many other places) there are other avenues for promoting change. One example is appealing to our elected officials. They are the ones who propose and vote upon legislation, so (in my opinion) it makes sense to bring them into the fold as soon as possible. The End Racial Profiling Act was drafted and introduced to the Senate last year, but has not gained enough attention to garner serious discussion or voting upon it. This can change - here's how.

Want to contact your senator? Go here.

Want to contact your representative? Go here.

Add your info, copy and paste the form letter below, and then change it to your liking. REMEMBER that if you are sending it a representative, then you need to change the greeting too. AND YOU NEED TO FILL IN A SENTENCE IN THE LAST PARAGRAPH.

Sample Letter

Dear Senator Schumer,

In May 2013, Senator Ben Cardin introduced the End Racial Profiling Act to the Senate. As you likely already know, The End Racial Profiling Act comprehensively addresses the insidious practice of racial profiling by law enforcement on five levels: first, it clearly defines the racially discriminatory practice of racial profiling by law enforcement at all levels; second, it creates a federal prohibition against racial profiling; thirdly, it mandates data collection so we can fully assess the true extent of the problem; fourth, it provides funding for the retraining of law enforcement officials on how to discontinue and prevent the use of racial profiling; and fifth, it holds law enforcement agencies that continue to use racial profiling accountable.

I urge you to co-sponsor this bill just as Senator Gillibrand has and then publicly pledge to vote for this legislation when the time comes.

It is abundantly clear that there are major problems with how police departments are currently serving their communities throughout the country. The events in Ferguson, Cleveland, Staten Island and so many other places have demonstrated the dire need for change in how police departments approach keeping communities safe and uphold the law. This legislation can serve as a step in the right direction where all citizens feel as though their rights and well being are being properly protected by law enforcement agencies.

   

As a public school student in New York City, I have... (you fill this in)

The threat of unnecessary harassment and wanton violence is such that we can no longer sit idly. It is time for a new approach and to instill a greater sense of accountability in our law enforcement agencies. Only then can we continue to move forward as a city, state, and nation.

Most Sincerely, 

(Your Name)

12/4/14

Tonight you should study for tomorrow's quiz on micronutrients. See previous posts for resources and practice.

Micronutrient Quiz Resources

Micronutrient	Roles in the body	Symptoms of excess	Symptoms of deficiency	Good sources
Vitamin A	Vision, antioxidant, immune function	Skin disorders, bone fracture, liver damage	Night blindness, drying of skin, infections	Liver, sweet potato, carrots, spinach
Thiamin (B1)	Glucose metabolism	None	Beriberi, weakness, loss of appetite, nerve degeneration	Pork, whole/enriched grains, fortified cereals
Riboflavin (B2)	Releasing energy from fats and sugars	None	Inflamed tongue, mouth, cracking of skin at mouth	Liver, cereals, yogurt, milk
Biotin (B5)	Helps make DNA, glucose, fatty acids	None	Hair loss, rash, convulsions, neurologic disorders, delayed growth	Cauliflower, peanuts, cheese
Folate (B9)	DNA synthesis, cell division, making RBCs	Could mask a B12 deficiency	Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects in infants	Fortified cereals, fruits, spinach, legumes
Vitamin B12	Folate metabolism, nerve function (by helping produce myelin)	None	Megaloblastic anemia, nerve damage, numbness, tingling, loss of cognitive function	Animal proteins, fortified cereals
Vitamin C	Collagen formation, immune function, antioxidant	Diarrhea, nausea	Scurvy, poor wound healing, bleeding of gums, weakness	Fruits and vegetables
Vitamin D	Regulates level of calcium in blood (and bone)	High amount of calcium in blood – urination, thirst, nausea	Rickets or osteoporosis – lss of bone density	Fortified milk and cereals, seafood
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, protects cell membranes	Can interfere w/ blood clotting	Breakdown of RBCs – hemolysis, neurological problems	Wheat, vegetable and seed oils
Vitamin K	Blood clotting, bone health	Rare	Rare except in newborns	Spinach, broccoli, lettuce, turnips

Micronutrient	Roles in the body	Symptoms of excess	Symptoms of deficiency	Good sources
Calcium	Makes bones hard and strong, allows nerves to transmit impulses, blood clotting, muscle contraction	Fatigue, confusion, loss of appetite, constipation Coma, cardiac arrest	Muscle spasms, convulsions Osteoporosis	Tofu, yogurt, milk, cheese
Fluoride	Prevents dental cavities	Discoloring and pitting of tooth enamel	Increased risk for cavities, bone weakness	Fluoridated water
Iodine	Used to make thyroid hormones that control metabolism	Goiter	Goiter, weight gain, sluggishness, decreased body temp.	Seafood, iodized salt, bread
Iron	Oxygen transport in blood, forming enzymes, immune function, brain function	Constipation, increased risk of heart disease and cancer	Anemia	Seafood, lentils, beef, spinach
Phosphorous	Essential component of ATP, DNA, and RNA	Can bind Ca and lead to muscle spasms and convulsions Bone loss	Anorexia, dizziness, bone pain, muscle weakness	Milk, meat, yogurt
Potassium	Regulates muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmissions	Cardiac arrest, death	Loss of appetite, muscle cramps, confusion	Bananas, spinach, Seafood, yogurt
Zinc	Growth and development, formation of collagen, immune function, enzymes	Nausea, vomiting, cramping	Cessation of growth, hair loss, skin lesions, infections	Beef, oysters, crab, legumes, whole grains

12/3/14

Tonight's homework is to complete your Dietary Disaster write-up so that it can be submitted in class tomorrow. Additionally, the micronutrient quiz is on Friday so continue to work on your study sheet and studying as well as Assignment 23 (the practice questions).

Assignment #23 - 11AC

Micronutrients Quiz Review

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

_________ 1. Which foods have low levels or no iodine and thus are NOT good sources of iodine?

A. Milk                                                                         C. Vegetable Oil

B. Eggs                                                                        D. Organic Yogurt

_________ 2. Which part of the body would be most affected by a vitamin C deficiency?

A. The brain                                                                        C. Teeth and gums

B. Muscle tissue                                                            D. Stomach lining

_________ 3. Which of the following is NOT a good source of Vitamin D?

A. Oatmeal                                                                        C. Mushrooms

B. Tuna                                                                        D. Egg Yolk

_________ 4. How much calcium should a woman has reached menopause consume daily?

A. 500 mg                                                                        C. 1500 mg

B. 1000 mg                                                                        D. 2000 mg

_________ 5. Osteoporosis is a symptom of a deficiency of which of the following micronutrients?

A. Folate                                                                        C. Biotin

B. Calcium                                                                        D. Retinol

_________ 6. Night blindness is a symptom of a deficiency of which of the following micronutrients?

A. Folate                                                                        C. Biotin

B. Calcium                                                                        D. Retinol

True or False

_________ 7. A vitamin B₆ deficiency affects the nervous system.

_________ 8. Folate works with Vitamin B₁₂ in order to create new proteins.

_________ 9. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is necessary for normal cell membrane function.

_________ 10. Potassium is necessary for normal cell membrane function. Short Answer

11. What is the difference between a vitamin and a mineral?

12. What is anemia?

13. Why does iron deficiency lead to anemia?

14. Why do you need a constant supply of vitamins like thiamin, biotin, and Vitamin C?

15. Why are there toxicity problems associated with vitamins like Vitamin A, D, and E?

Assignment #23 - 12AC

Micronutrients Quiz Review

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

_________ 1. How much calcium should a woman has reached menopause consume daily?

A. 500 mg                                                                        C. 1500 mg

B. 1000 mg                                                                        D. 2000 mg

_________ 2. Which of the following foods are high in thiamin?

A. Nuts and seeds                                                            C. Candy

B. Fruits                                                                        D. Vegetables

_________ 3. Choose the answer that fills in the corresponding blanks. The average amount of magnesium in the body at any given time is ________ and _________ percent of the body’s magnesium is located within the skeletal system.

A. 25; 50                                                                        D; 50; 50

B. 50; 25                                                                        E. 25; 100

C. 25; 25

_________ 4. Which of the following are two foods high in Vitamin B­₁₂?

A. Lettuce and tomatoes                                                C. Mushrooms and onions

B. Milk and eggs                                                            D. Orange juice and bananas

_________ 5. Which part of the body would be most affected by a vitamin C deficiency?

A. The brain                                                                        C. Teeth and gums

B. Muscle tissue                                                            D. Stomach lining

_________ 6. Which of the following is NOT a good source of Vitamin D?

A. Lightbulb                                                                        C. Milk

B. Egg yolks                                                                        D. Mushrooms

True or False

_________ 7. It is common for men to have an excess of biotin.

_________ 8. Vitamin E deficiency is rare.

_________ 9. Zinc is a mineral.

Short Answer

10. What is the difference between a vitamin and a mineral?

11. What is anemia?

12. Why does iron deficiency lead to anemia?

13. Why do you need a constant supply of vitamins like thiamin, biotin, and Vitamin C?

14. Why are there toxicity problems associated with vitamins like Vitamin A, D, and E?