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The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) in conjunction with the US Food & Drug Administration ( FDA ) teamed up to track and measure American attitudes, knowledge, and behavior regarding nutrition and physical activity.

Surveying a total of 1,221 adults between November 14, 2005 and February 6, 2006, the FDA discovered that women were more likely than men to agree that nutrition was more important.

Women were also more likely than men to have healthier habits

Of the respondents, 70% of women agreed that nutrition was important to take into consideration while food shopping, while only 54% of men thought so. “Women are also more likely than men to identify themselves as overweight, even though after calculating Body Mass Index scores from self-reported heights and weights, men are more likely to be categorized in the overweight category,” said the report.

Despite increased health marketing during their generation, the youngest group of the survey’s respondents were the least likely to consider nutrition very seriously while grocery shopping.

In the 18-34 age groups, 52% considered nutrition to be very important, followed by 64% of those in the 35-54 groups, 69% for 55-64 year olds, and 71% of those 65 or older.

Social Networks are the new Search Engine for Health and Weight-Management

The trend toward gaining valuable and trustworthy health information from Social Networks is gaining significant traction.

Edelman, a global communications firm, has conducted the annual Trust Barometer survey since 2000. Two years ago, Edelman cited a new trend in its 2006 Trust Barometer: the steady decline of trust in traditional figures of authority, and the increase in the credibility of the “average person.” The beginning of the trend was a huge spike in trust for a “person like yourself or your peer” from 22% in 2003 to 68% in 2006.

Using online tools to solve problems is a natural activity for people, as discussed in a recent report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The Pew report found that, “more people turn to the internet (at home, work, libraries or other places) than any other source of information and support, including experts and family members.”

Iowa Avenue is much more than an expert’s warehouse—we are people who care– a community of friends, family and colleagues all connected in a meaningful way for a meaningful purpose, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

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