Fundamentals of Nutrition
Series Entitled: "Nutrition Pathways"

Reduce the fat", "increase carbohydrates", "drink eight glasses of water a day." Everywhere we look - TV, magazines, newspapers - it seems as though we are surrounded by conflicting and confusing information about what we should or should not be eating or how we should be exercising. NUTRITION PATHWAYS examines nutrition and how it impacts people in their every day lives through profiles of real-life people.

How can we separate fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition? How much can we believe about nutrition and its impact on health, disease, lifestyle, and longevity? In fact, how can we believe anything we see or hear about nutrition without feeling as if we are in a constant state of confusion? These issues and many more are explored in the telecourse - NUTRITION PATHWAYS.

This course is designed for two audiences: one includes those college students enrolled in health programs who have an introduction to nutrition course requirement; the second includes students who wish to learn more about nutrition and how to apply the knowledge to their own lives and the lives of their families. Not only will NUTRITION PATHWAYS address the basic chemical and scientific aspects of nutrition, it will provide practical information as well.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

1) Nutrition Basics
Why do people choose the foods that they eat? This program examines through profiles of individuals how religion, tradition, and even emotions can effect food choices. Why and how have we gotten to be where we are? Historical and even societal influences in the U.S. are examined in this program starting with the industrial revolution. Using the food Guide Pyramid we then learn what it really means in terms of serving sizes, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and mineral content.

2) The Digestive System
In a wonderful illustration this program compares digestion to a football game, the object is to get the ball (which is the food) from one end of the field (to the GI tract) to the opposite end of the field (to complete the process, elimination). Understanding this process when functioning correctly then allows the viewer to explore the various problems associated with digestion. Staged scenarios help illustrate choking, gas/bloating, heartburn, nausea, ulcers, and constipation. Throughout each situation an expert helps guide the viewer through the problem associated with digestion.

3) Carbohydrates: Simple and Complex
For years we heard that sugar can cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This program profiles a family, attending a local fair, who have children diagnosed with ADHD, the object is to dispel the myth that sugar causes ADHD. Any athlete knows how important it is to eat properly, a high complex carbohydrate diet can provide addition energy necessary for any sport. In interviews with a college tennis player and his family we learn how through diet and family support a restricted diet can be maintained. Whenever an individual takes in large amount of carbohydrates, simple or complex, a process takes place to regulate the blood glucose. Through animation we learn how these process works.

4) Carbohydrates: Fiber
What is fiber? How is fiber classified? In two interviews, one with an agricultural expert and the other with a manager of a bakery, we learn the differences in the many available fibers. Is it advantageous to incorporate fiber into the diet? This program examines the health effects of fiber through a profile of a woman with high blood cholesterol and what, if any, changes have been made in her cholesterol through high fiber intake. In an interview with a gastroenterologist and a patient with Crohn's disease we also learn the effects of high fiber on colon health. Can fiber help? Find out how fiber became an important part of a woman's diet who had colon polyps and colon cancer.

5) Fats: The Lipid Family
Nowadays you can hardly talk about your visit to the doctor without someone asking you what your cholesterol level was? What's the difference between good fat levels and bad? This segment explains what lipids are and their function. Through two diverse profiles we learn about the need to distinguish personal intake of fats. In the first profile a group of hikers use high fat foods because they are calorie dense, easy to pack for hiking and provide abundant fuel for a long term exercise. In the second profile a man with high blood cholesterol explains the composition and function of the lipoproteins found in the blood and how cholesterol becomes a risk for CVD. Lastly what are these new fat substitutes? In a brief look at Simplesse and Olestra the viewer learns potential uses for cooking with fat substitutes.

6) Fats: Health Effects
What are the effects of fat intake? This program profiles two families, one is a Greek family whose diet is divided between parents and children. The parents food intake was one of typical Greek island fare compared to that of their children who maintained a diet similar to the standard American diet. Is there and what are the risks for heart disease for both diets. The second family profiled is a cattle ranching family who eats a diet high in saturated fat, considered the standard American diet, this like the children of the Greek family is examined for heart disease. Lastly, in a wonderful cartoon animation, an illustration on how high fat foods can be substituted with lower fat foods is given offering the viewer alternatives to eating.

7) Protein: Form and Function
What effect does protein have on an athlete? In the first profile of this program we learn how a "natural" bodybuilder counter intuitively does not consume large amounts of protein to gain strength in training. In the second profile we learn in a visit with a weight training class in a college physical education course what these students know and understand about protein intake. Throughout the world there are many differing geological areas of protein-energy malnutrition, even here in the US. What programs help deal with this problem here is the US.?

8) Protein Continuum
Are there different concerns for a vegan, a semi-vegetarian, or a meat eater for how they might obtain adequate protein from their food choices? Absolutely, this program focuses on these three styles of eating and how each of these individuals include protein in their diet. Answers to such questions as: How does a vegetarian get enough protein? If you do eat meat is there concerns for including additional protein in their diet?

9) Metabolism
To fast or to feast, are either very good for you? What are the effects of both on the body? In the program METABOLISM, profiles of both fasting and feasting are featured. The first interview is with a college football player who eats more than his body can use. Learn what the consequences of eating more food than the body can use. Often people also exhibit the opposite behavior and fast for long periods at a time. In the second interview we learn the effects of fasting on the body. Lastly, a demonstration on how alcohol affects the body's metabolism by interviewing a recovering alcoholic.

10) Weight Control: Energy Regulation
Factors that effect food intake are hunger, appetite and environmental influences. These are the influences that effect food intake but there are quite a few more that effect what we may actually end up taking in: ethnic background, body image, influences by the media, as well as personal self-image. In this program we first learn from one individual the trial and tribulations of a weight loss program, and what they have learned from their continued efforts. As a follow-up to this discussion a panel group of three college students of differing ethnic backgrounds talk about the many variables beyond hunger and appetite that can effect weight control.

11) Weight Control: Treatment and Health Effects
This is the age of "Diet Madness." This program profiles a man with a typical "apple" shape, and answers such questions as what are the health effect of carrying excess weight in the mid-section. We learn along with this individual what nutritional and lifestyle changes must be made to improve his health risks. Weight Control: Treatment and Health Effects profile three individuals that look at good and poor treatments for weight loss. The first is a woman who has yo-yo dieted many times, the second is a woman who has undergone a gastric by-pass surgical procedure to lose weight and lastly we learn from a mother and daughter who have both suffered from eating disorders.

12) Vitamins: Water Soluble
Vitamin C is a daily supplement for many Americans today, some individuals consume large quantities daily. One woman whose dentist recommended she begin taking vitamin C to prevent bleeding gums now claims that it ensures her good health and that of her families. Is vitamin C a necessity? Upon examination of the modern Navy, in comparison to earlier days when Scurvy claimed the lives of many sailors, does vitamin C and other water soluble vitamins that are preserved on board ship during current times prevent illness? Many individuals also use vitamin C as a "folk medicine" as well as for the antioxidant effects. Lastly we learn from a chef how he prepares and handles foods in order to preserve the vitamin content.

13) Vitamins: Fat Soluble
This program examines the pros and cons of vitamin and mineral supplementation through a profile of a wife and husband who takes many different supplements for health reason. We also learn how one person takes vitamin E and beta carotene as an antioxidant to protect themselves against the effects of extreme exercise. Lastly we talk with an individual who sells vitamins and minerals to the public.

14) Major Minerals and Water
What happens when a person dehydrates? This program takes a look at the importance of major minerals and water. The first segment includes a diagnosis and treatment of dehydration in a small child. The second segment provides a brief look at the importance of sodium in the diet. The last segment is a profile of a person with osteoporosis. What is osteoporosis, how does it develop, what are the symptoms and how can it be treated? These questions in addition to nutritional impact on osteoporosis are addressed.

15) Trace Minerals
One of the most prominent minor mineral is Iron. This program focuses on the WIC program and how women, infants, and children are insured of getting enough iron and explain what iron deficiency anemia is. How much does the average person know about iron? In several interviews with high school students, we learn how much they know about iron deficiency, the foods that are high in iron, and symptoms of iron deficiency. As we get older and older the amount of iron intake is fully considered by services such as meals on wheels. Unfortunately there is a world-wide iodine deficiency, this program shows how iodized salt is the answer to iodine related problems.

16) Physical Activity: Fitness Basics
When someone talks about fitness basics there are a variety of methods to the basics. This program profiles four individuals who each have a unique and varied approach to fitness basics. The first profiles is a student who is enrolled in a college PE class which allow him to participate in a self paced fashion, attending different classes for credit. The second is a profile of an individual who is employed in a corporation that has fitness facilities and encourages employees to workout before, during, and after work for fitness and productivity. Thirdly we have an opportunity to hear how one person who during their lunch hour walks around the building, block or even in the mall. Lastly we meet a person who is at home taking care of the family and exercises by video tapes, walking the neighborhood, doing sit-ups and pushups in order to be more fit. All of these individuals also share what diet they maintain to compliment the physical activity they have chosen.

17) Physical Activity: Beyond Fitness
In this program, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: BEYOND FITNESS BASICS, we have an opportunity to see how an Olympic hopeful who is training for the US Olympic diving team and how this hopeful considers very carefully training and nutrition needs for their regiment. A marathoner is also profiled allowing the viewer to see the strict schedule of training, and eating necessary for this individual to make their goal for competition. Last is a profile of a paraplegic who was a black belt in karate before an accident left her paralyzed. This segment examines her new lifestyle and nutrition needs for an active lifestyle in a wheelchair.

18) Life Cycle: Pregnancy
How does pregnancy, before, during and after effect a woman's nutrient needs? This program focuses on the dietary needs of a woman during pregnancy taking into consideration various lifestyles. Are there different needs for a teen than for an athlete? Profiling a pregnant teenager through her term this program provides a special opportunity to examine the special nutrient needs and risks/stresses which are associated with being a pregnant teen. Exercise is always a question during pregnancy how much is appropriate? We learn by following an athletic, physically fit woman, who is pregnant, how she fills her special needs for her and the fetus throughout her day

19) Life Cycle: Lactation and Infancy
One of the many decisions that any pregnant woman must make is to choose between bottle or breast feeding their newborn. This program follows two woman who have varied lifestyles and their choice to either bottle or breast feed. The first profile is one of a working woman who has chosen to bottle feed and the advantages and disadvantages of this choice. The second is a woman at home who has chosen to breast feed, sharing the advantages and disadvantages of this choice. Following these two profiles is an outline of what foods and at what time is best to introduce what types of foods to an infant.

20) Life Cycle: Childhood and Adolescence
What are the influences that impact the food choices that children make? Throughout adolescence there are a variety of factors those impact food choices: social, emotional and cultural. This program follows an overweight adolescent through the Shape Down program and examines how support from family can influence nutrition and lifestyle choice. We also have the opportunity to see how one family work to positively influence their children as they make food choices.

21) Life Cycle: Adulthood and Aging
How does lifestyle and nutrition effect an individual as they mature? The lifestyle in culmination with a dietary style can make a difference in one's life, affecting one positively or negatively. This program follows three scenarios that provide the viewer with a clear understanding on the effects of choice for nutrition on an individual. The first profile is one of a couple in their 30's who have chosen to live in a more natural environment, living and active lifestyle whilst being careful of the types of foods they eat. The second is a wonderful profile of a 70 year old woman who participates actively in a traveling dance group. The third profile is one of a 90 year old couple who discusses how nutrition and lifestyle has positively affected them as they age.

22) Diet and Health: Cardiovascular Disease
Do the choices in diet determine our health? Many times we effect our health in our choices of lifestyle, and nutrition. This program follows three individuals who have been adversely affected by diet and lifestyle. Learn from a middle-aged woman who had a heart attack and surgery in her 40's how in reviewing her lifestyle including career, smoking, alcohol, and nutrition may have affected her health. Does hypertension have an impact on lifestyle and nutrition? In the second profile an individual with high blood shares how their lifestyle and nutrition needs have changes since diagnosed with hypertension.

23) Diet and Health: Cancer, Immunology, and AIDS
When an individual is diagnosed with cancer or even AIDS, almost every doctor will provide an outline to their patient that describes what anti promote the disease. This program helps us understand what cancer is and how through diet an individual can make a difference in the development as well as what the treatment of that cancer may be. Understanding that diet can effect the immune system that each individual has we then have the opportunity per se how diet and the immune system, can effect the quality of life for AIDS/HIV patients.

24) Diet and Health: Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, type I: which generally is detected as an adolescence, and type II: which is detected later in life, many times in the 30's. This segment examines the lifestyle and nutritional needs of both a type I diabetic as well as a type II. This program also looks at two individuals with type II diabetes and the treatment choice both of these have made: conventional versus unconventional.

25) Consumer Concerns and Food Safety
The sales of bottled water are on the rise in addition to organic farming. Nowadays when shopping in the local grocery store you can easily find organically grown tomatoes, oranges, apples, consumer concerns for the use of pesticides have grown markedly in the last few years. Are these concerns legitimate? This program explains how environmental contaminants find their way into the food and water supply. By providing examples of pesticides along with their uses in addition to defining water sources both under ground and above, one will learn how personal lifestyle and nutrition choices will affect the local and global community.

26) Applied Nutrition
Throughout all 26 lessons we have had an opportunity to become familiar with three pathways individuals. They have made a variety of positive personal changes in their lifestyles, incorporating the knowledge gained through this nutrition telecourse. Learn what the steps involved for each individual and how they each have incorporated these new changes into their lives. A wonderful closing to a course that separates fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition.