Video Pick--The New Dietary Guidelines: What You Need to Know
From SLJ April 2006
Ann Crewdson, King County Library System, SeaTac, WA -- School Library Journal, 3/27/2006
video or DVD. color. 20 min. with tchr's. guide, student handouts. Human Relations Media (hrmvideo.com). 2005. ISBN 1-55548-070-5. $139.95.
Gr 6-12–This live-action program offers an overview of the new dietary guidelines and revised food pyramid issued by the government to address the rising problem of obesity in the United States. It utilizes man-on-the-street interviews and cartoons to emphasize its three major recommendations: "staying within your calorie or energy needs, being more active, and making wiser food choices." Footage of actual teens helps explain how to use the new food pyramid. The host's no-nonsense, straightforward presentation is an effective approach to delivering the message without being didactic, cautionary, or staged. Recognizing that teens are undeterred by statistics or scare tactics, she puts the ball in their court to decide what to do with the information she offers. The quick quizzes will help reinforce the information. The music is upbeat and energetic. Visual cascades of fresh fruits and vegetables subliminally urge viewers to follow a healthy diet. Background images of jocks pumping iron and cheerleaders are cleverly placed to effectively suggest to teens that they could look and feel as fit if they follow the new dietary guidelines. The teacher's manual covers the nutritional information that appears on food packaging labels. Activity sheets and student handouts are interesting and thought-provoking. An excellent purchase for school libraries.
