1. Child (12 months to 11 yrs) Serving sizes/portions for children are smaller than adults; children under age 4 a serving is usually 2/3’s of a regular serving: children 4 years and older can eat the same amount as a regular food pyramid size Need a variety of nutrient dense foods in small frequent amounts Expose to new and a wide variety of foods Introduce new foods one at a time Taste buds are very sensitive Avoid sweet food as snacks Make foods interesting and inviting for children; color, texture, shape, size and temperature

2. Adolescents 2-3 servings milk, 2-3 serving meat, 3-5 servings vegetables, 2-4 servings fruit, 6-11 servings grain Time of great activity and rapid growth Need a variety of nutritious food throughout the day Avoid high sugar and high fat snack foods; monitor among of caffeine and carbonated drinks

3. Adults Metabolism slows down; generally total food intake needs to be reduced Exercise is an important component to balancing food intake and output Less active lifestyle creates a greater need for daily exercise

4. Elderly (60+) Nutrient dense foods are important Taste sensations and smells are less sensitive Low sodium and low-fat diets are recommended to lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease Various physical and mental challenges may limit ability to purchase and prepare foods Elderly who live alone have a harder time eating a variety of nutritious foods; malnutrition is a concern Food assistance programs are available to help feed the elderly

5. Anemia Definition: severe levels of iron results in low blood hemoglobin symptoms include - weak, tired, mental state affected, headaches Prevention: Proper nutrition of meat and green leafy vegetables, and iron supplements can change this Who does it generally affect: women

6. Type I Diabetes insulin is a hormone produced in the body Hyperglycemia - blood glucose levels are too high Definition: your body doesn’t produce its own insulin to balance blood sugar so you have to inject insulin by giving yourself a shot, or through a pump. Symptoms: excessive urination and thirst, weight loss with nausea, easy tiring, weakness, irritability, cravings for food; especially sweets, vision disturbances blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and bruises Prevention: none Who does it generally affect: child/juvenile onset: usually diagnosed with this type as a child or teenage years. Usually thin.

7. Type II Diabetes Definition: your body produces too much insulin and your body becomes resistant to it Symptoms: blurred vision, Pain or numbness in the feet or hands, Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that are more frequent or heal slowly, Fatigue, Hunger, Increased thirst Prevention: maintain a healthy body weight Who does it generally affect: obesity related. Adult onset; usually later in life (after age 30)

8. Obesity Definition: most dangerous disease of all – makes your body a breeding ground for viruses, cancer, and disease Symptoms: inflammation Prevention: eating a healthy diet can reduce inflammation causing less joint and back pain, and helps to prevent disease caused by inflammation Who does it generally affect: usually adults, but also elderly, adolescents, and even children

9. Colon and Rectal Cancer Definition: cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Caused by build up and fat Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating Prevention: Eat a high fiber diet, How to lower risk: Eat fiber! (whole grain foods, veggies, dried beans) Who does it generally affect: one of the top causes of cancer deaths in the U.S.

10. Heart Disease (Coronary Heart Disease) Definition: caused by clogged arteries of too much fat stored around arteries and blood vessels Symptoms: heart attacks and heart failure Prevention: decrease consumption of foods high in saturated fats and sodium Who does it generally affect: growing problem for women, leading cause of death in the USA

11. High Blood Pressure Definition: common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Symptoms: Severe headache, Fatigue or confusion, Vision problems, Chest pain, Difficulty breathing, Irregular heartbeat, Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears Prevention: maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, reduce salt intake, limit alcohol, reduce stress Who does it generally affect: adults

12. Osteoporosis Definition: bones become porous and fragile due to the lack of calcium Symptoms: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra, loss of height over time, a stooped posture, a bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected Prevention: weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, jogging and calisthenics are especially effective in maintaining bone density Who does it generally affect: older adults; females at a higher risk