New for Consumers

Release Date: July 2003

EATING RIGHT

We all have the best intentions when deciding to lose weight, but finding the best weight loss plan for you can be confusing and frustrating. Should you just focus on calories? What about carbohydrates? How fast should you lose? Is dieting different as you age?

A new package from the Federal Citizen Information Center can help you get started. Losing Weight: More Than Counting Calories from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) covers the basics of weight loss. Find out how to calculate your body mass index (BMI), set weight loss goals, adopt healthy eating habits, use the food label, avoid fad diets and more. This helpful guide also features tips on eating out, information on weight-loss drugs and a handy chart to help you compare fat-free foods and their full fat counterparts. Get on the Grain Train from the U.S. Department of Agriculture gives you the facts on what grains are, the difference between whole and refined grains, the benefits of grain, how many servings of grain you should have each day and more.

To safely manage your weight and have long-term success, use a realistic approach when planning your diet. Follow a calorie-reduced, balanced diet that includes the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meat. Lower your consumption of fat, especially saturated fat, which is found in animal products such as meat and whole milk.

A balanced diet is especially important as you get older-good nutrition can help lessen the effect of diseases prevalent in older adults such as osteoporosis, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal problems and more. Use Growing Older, Eating Better from the FDA to learn more about the causes of poor nutrition in older adults and steps you can take to prevent poor nutrition and keep bones and muscles strong.

Learn more with the "Eating Right" package. This package costs $2.00. There are three easy ways to get this information:

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Eating Right package. Have your credit card handy.
  • Send your name, address, and a check or money order for $2.00 to Eating Right, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to order a Catalog, or to print out these and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov-- your front door to federal and state government websites.

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EMERGING TRENDS IN MEDICAL DEVICE TECHNOLOGY: HOME IS WHERE THE HEART MONITOR IS

New home-care systems can teach you how to monitor your health and take steps to prevent and treat illnesses early. Learn more with Emerging Trends in Medical Device Technology: Home Is Where the Heart Monitor Is from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Get the facts on the latest home monitoring systems, how they transmit data to your healthcare provider and how these systems will improve your life in the future. For your free copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 545K. Or send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 545K, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.govto read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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GETTING YOUR GED

GED Tests give you the opportunity to earn a high school credential - the equivalent of a high school diploma. And it allows you to go on to college if you want, get a better job, and achieve more of your personal goals. The free GED Bulletin explains what to expect in the GED Tests, how to prepare for them, where and when they're given, and how to get more information. For your free copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 604K. Or send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 604K, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson at (202) 501-1794 or by e-mail samantha.donaldson@gsa.gov if you plan to use this release after October 15, 2003.
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to samantha.donaldson@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2586

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