New Survey Shows Worried Parents Wantit in Writing (NAPS)—What parting words did many parents havefor their children when they left home for wf home attending college. That’s a major cause for concern for par- ents and nutrition professionals, college this fall? Drink your milk! such as Litt. The National Academy of Sciences recommendscol- According to a recent national survey of more than 1,000 parents lege-age men and women consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium a day, with college-bound children, their greatest wish wasfor their future freshmento drink their milk. Reg- which can be met by drinking at ular milk consumption was even least three 8-ounceglasses of milk each day. being nice to their teachers, buttoning their coats in cold weather dents are making choices that may stick with them through The fact is parents may have a three glasses of milk a day is an easy and great-tasting way to help more important to parents than “College is a time when stu- and making their beds in the morning. real reason to worry. The survey found that eight out of 10 incoming college students are leaving behind their primary meal providersfor the first time—Mom and Dad. “College is all about young people making decisions without their parents around,” says Ann S. Litt, M.S., R.D., L.D., author of “The College Student’s Guide to Eating Well on Campus” (Tulip Hill Press, 2000). “So it’s a critical time to educate students on good nutrition so they can make healthy decisions in the dorm dining room and beyond,” says Litt. Students Put Their Milk Where Their Mouths Are This year, students had an opportunity to put their milk where their mouths are during milk mustache events nationwide. adulthood,” says Litt. “Drinking and students also had a chance to capture the moment and posefor milk mustache photos together. College Students’ Food Choices are Parents’ Top Concern Parents surveyed said their top health concern for their college- bound student was that they would choose junk food rather than vitamin and nutrient-rich foods. For college students, that often means choosing nutrientvacant beverages over calciumrich milk. “Students leaving homefor the first time are faced with a lot of tough decisions. Makingthe right nutritional choices is key,” says Litt. “College is a critical time not to miss out on calcium. When students pack their bags and go away The got milk? campaign traveled to 40 university campuses to encourage students to relieve to college, we want to make sure dents signed the “Drink 3 Pledge” and set a goal to make their in College? Of the parents surveyed, 80 their parents’ angst and take control of their dietary destiny. Stu- health a priority in college by drinking at least three 8-ounce glasses of milk each day. Parents they don’t forget to keep packing in at least three daily servings of milk’s nine essential nutrients.” Not Drinking Enough percent thought their child would likely drink one or fewer glasses of milk a day while away from keep their diets balanced and calcium-rich.” Since Mom and Dad are not stocking the refrigerator with milk anymore, Litt suggests stu- dents grab a milk single serve during lunch in the cafeteria, a carton at the drive-thru window and a caf latte while studying in the afternoon to work three glasses of milk into a busyday. Cliff Notes on Calcium The ‘got milk? Milk Mustache marketing campaign is jointly funded by the nation’s fluid milk processors and America’s dairy farmers. The multi-faceted campaign was initiated to educate consumers and correct misconceptions about milk. College students can learn more about milk and its health benefits by visiting the milk Web site at www.whymilk.com. Web site visitors can also receive a customized diet analysis from a “personal trainer.” To receive a free “Milk 101: Meeting Core Requirements” brochure that offers nutrition facts and easy tips on howto fit milk into a student’s busy schedule, log onto www.whymilk.com.
