Title: Introduction to Nutrition
Course: DES 2710 General and Oral Nutrition > Section: Module One

Introduction

Our first module is an introduction to nutrition. Consider these facts: According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the number of new cases of diagnosed diabetes nearly tripled between 1990 through 2010.  The American Heart Association reported that approximately 31.0 million adults 20 years old or older have cholesterol levels equal or greater than 240 mg/dL.

The AHA also reported that incidence data from 2007- 2010 shows that 78 million US adults have hypertension.  23.9 million children that are between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight or obese with 12.7 million of those being obese.  These statistics speak volumes in regards to the general health of Americans.  In this module you will begin to develop your understand the role of nutrients in the diet and in systemic and oral health as well as the role of the dental hygienist as part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.  Consideration will also be given to the influences that affect individuals food preferences and selection.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Discuss American eating habits and how they relate to the current systemic health issues of our patients.
- Discuss considerations for patient food preferences, selection and preparation
- Use governmental guidelines to determine nutritional excesses and deficiencies in fast food menu items
- Understand the dietary reference intakes (DRI) and their role in assessing nutritional adequacy.
- Identify the six essential nutrients and their physiological functions
- Discuss the role of the dental hygienist  as a part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Understand and use key terms related to the chapter

Readings and Resources

Readings include the chapters from the book and articles as assigned by the instructor.

Chapter 1 and 15.

Textbook Updates for Chapter 1 on Evolve website

Super Size Me documentary 2004

Please copy and paste the URL into your browsers if the links do not work correctly.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/ExecSumm.pdf

Food Labels - review the links

http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/default.htm

Healthy People 2020-Nutrition

http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=29

Portion Distortion

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/supertracker-tools/portion-distortion.html

Assignments

- Submit Student Contract
- Complete Greetings and Introduction Discussion
- Complete Readings and Viewings
  - Watch documentary: “Super Size Me”
- Post and reply to Discussion 1- “Super Size Me”
- Post Assignment 1