Diana Spillman

PARENTAL AND PEER INFLUENCES ON FOOD CONSUMPTION OF PRESCHOOL AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN

Sources of social influence on urban African-American preschool childrens food consumption were coded from videotapes of noontime and evening meals of 42 children. The frequency of eating prompts was associated with the age of the child, the source (mothers, fathers, age mates, other adults, and day-care staff), and socioeconomic status. The success of the prompt in changing the childs eating behavior was dependent on the type of prompt.

Comparison of dietary intake methods with young children.

To select a valid method for obtaining dietary intake of preschool children, food intake of 17 children (8 in daycare programs and 9 in home care) was measured for three days. Each day, home caregivers and daycare staff were asked to recall what the child had eaten during the previous 24 hours. After the third day, the Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire was administered to assess intake during the preceding seven days, which included the three days of measured foods. There were no significant differences between means from measured and recalled intake. Although the childrens gender and care status (daycare versus home care) made no difference in measured intake, there were significant differences in recalled intake for energy and percent of calories from saturated fat. In this study the questionnaire did not provide an accurate assessment of measured intake and could not replace the dietary recall.

A survey of chiropractors’ use of nutrition in private practice

ABSTRACT Objective To survey the private practice use of nutrition by chiropractors with emphasis on recommendations and education. Design A 3-page mail survey was sent to chiropractors practicing in the United States. Results The response rate was within the normal response range, 34% (74 of 217). Of those that responded, 77% were male; the mean number of years since graduation from chiropractic college was 13, with a range from 1-39 years. The average practice time spent on nutrition was 19%. Fifty-three percent of responders felt that their chiropractic college provided them with an adequate understanding in nutrition. Eightyone percent incorporated nutritional counseling, handed out nutritional literature or recommended nutritional supplements. Forty-two percent felt that chiropractors are able to address all nutritional concerns and 21% feel that the services of a nutritional specialist should only be used for second opinion interpretations. Discussion Nutrition is an important factor in the pursuit of optimal health. Most chiropractors in our sample incorporated nutritional services in their practice. The results of this study suggest that a significant amount of practice time is spent on services other than chiropractic adjustments. Approximately half of the chiropractors felt that their chiropractic college provided an adequate understanding in nutrition.

Use of medicated drops and oral tablets in glaucoma treatment.

This paper addresses the many forms of treatment for glaucoma. We studied particularly the topical drops and oral medications that are most frequently prescribed by ophthalmologists, specifically examining the reasons for the side effects experienced by certain patients taking topical drops and oral medications. Some of the side effects and interactions are discussed, and the importance of proper procedure for application of topical eye drops is stressed. Finally, we emphasize that proper drug usage is critical to the well being of the patient.

Iron, Vitamin C and Protein Content in the Diets of African-American Children Residing in the Washington Dc Area

Abstract Iron deficiency anemia is at epidemic proportions in the United States. It has been estimated that the majority of preschool children show evidence of iron deficiency anemia. Two hundred sixty two African-American family units were recruited through the Washington DC public school system. All families had a younger child (aged 3 to 5). The families were visited three times over a two-year period for physiological and dietary intake measurements. The dietary measurements were taken via food recall and pre-/post-food weighing, at the time of consumption. The average calorie intake was 1087KC with a 459 KC standard deviation (S.D.). The protein intake averaged 40.23 grams (20 gms S.D.), iron intake was 7.34 milgrams (4.11 S.D.), and vitamin C intake was 66.64mg (57.62mg S.D.). When compared with the RDA the diet was greatly lacking in iron and protein intake was less than recommended, but not woefully low. Vitamin C was in abundance. It was found that children from higher social-economic status homes were receiving a higher amount of iron and vitamin C, primarily because their diet included meat and more fruits. However, their lipid intake was also higher (average 42.95mg) in comparison.

The Use of Dietary Supplements for Afro-American Pre-School Children Residing in Washington DC.

Abstract Diet and supplementation was assessed in 262 African-American preschool children. The families were recruited through the public schools. The families had to have a minimum of a mother, a child 7 to 13, and a preschool child. The mothers were the primary caretaker and the age range of the preschool child was 3.3 (range of 2 to 5). All measures were gathered in the familys home and all questionnaires were read to the participants, foods were measured pre- and post- consumption for two meals, and food recalls were obtained. Of the 262 respondents surveyed, 117 (33%) were currently using some type of vitamin and/or mineral supplement Two hundred fifty-one (71%) of the respondent had used or were currently using a supplement A majority of respondents (57%) took supplements six to nine times per week. Some individuals were taking multiple supplements per day. Multi-vitamins supplements were the most frequently used type of supplement the multi-vitamin cartoon shaped, pre-sweetened chewable supplements were reported as most frequently consumed. On the average the children already received adequate amounts of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin C. The average intakes of calcium, iron and niacin were very low and may have warranted the use of a supplement.

Book Reviews : Food, Drugs, and Aging, edited by R. E. Dunkle, G. J. Petot, and A. B. Ford (1986). New York: Springer, 203 pp.

person. Dreher’s inclusion of exercises at the end of each chapter creates a book that lends itself for use in a wide variety of settings such as classrooms or workshops. She also includes outlines, tables, and charts to enhance the readability of the material. In addition, she recognizes the importance of research and theory as evidenced by her frequent citations of prevalent studies with the aging population and her application of theory in aging to communication. She encourages the reader to be innovative, yet thoughtful and sensitive, to the aged person’s fundamental need for mutually satisfying and self-enhancing communication with the external and internal environment. This goal is worthy of note for all who work with the elderly.