Scheduled for Health Posters, Friday, April 2, 2004, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Session


Dietary Change and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: An Education Program for Participants in a Smoking Cessation Program

Eileen Daniel, State University of New York-College at Brockport, Brockport, NY

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss and blindness in developed countries, is most prevalent among individuals over the age of 65. Though treatment options are limited for most people with ARMD, several modifiable health behaviors appear to prevent or delay the onset of the disease including smoking cessation and specific dietary habits begun early in life. Because cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for ARMD, a class was developed for current smokers attending a community-based smoking cessation program. Goals of the class were to (1) increase awareness of ARMD (2) increase knowledge of foods rich in anti-oxidants and the phytochemicals lutein and zeaxanthin and (3) empower patients with skills to implement dietary changes. Through a media presentation, an overview of ARMD was addressed along with the health and preventive benefits of foods rich in anti-oxidants and phytochemicals. Interactive activities were used to reinforce learning such as a discussion of what specific foods were rich in these nutrients including new or possibly unfamiliar fruits and vegetables. Also included were tips on eating in restaurants, food sampling, take-home recipes and menu ideas, and a short questionnaire for participants to rate their current intake of foods rich in anti-oxidants and phytochemicals. A participant survey offered feedback to evaluate the program's efficacy. Although the class was designed as part of a smoking cessation program, it could be modified to other settings including wellness and worksite health programs.
Keyword(s): community-based programs, health promotion, wellness/disease prevention

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