Colorado State University conference explores science, social and economic implications on health, nutrition

Note to Reporters: Reporters are invited to attend the annual Lillian Fountain Smith Conference and should contact Dell Rae Moellenberg to attend. (970) 491-6009 or DellRae.Moellenberg@colostate.edu.

What is the real cost of “cheap” food? And how does it relate to obesity? The annual Lillian Fountain Smith Conference, hosted by Colorado State University, will explore answers to those questions.

At the conference, nutrition educators, health professionals and others will share insightful information on how science, social influences and the economy impact health outcomes. From getting a better understanding of the real costs to society of “cheap” food, to current scientific and clinical advances related to obesity, as well as cooking and gardening with kids, participants will learn the latest in nutrition across the lifespan from seven nationally recognized experts.

The conference, slated for June 13 and 14 at the Fort Collins Hilton Hotel, 425 W. Prospect Road, is organized by CSU’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.This year’s conference marks the 34th year it has been held.

Sessions on Thursday, June 13, will include:
– Obesity Update 2013 — Scientific and Clinical Advances;
– Experiential Food Education — The Value of Cooking and Gardening with Kids;
– SKINNY — The Voices Behind the Research;
– The Real Cost of Cheap Food; and
– Farming and Food — Expanding our Enjoyment, Not Our Waistline.

On Friday, June 14, presentation topics will include:
– Apple or Pear — Body Fat Distribution and Relation to Metabolic Risk;
– Dietary Macronutrient Content and Metabolic Health; and
– Moving Toward a Personalized Approach to Nutrition.

The conference is funded by the Lillian Fountain Smith Trust. Smith, a 1918 graduate in home economics at Colorado State University, then called Colorado A&M, recognized the importance of nutrition in her own life and the lives of her family members. Through her gift she chose to assist the department in improving and extending its nutrition outreach activities through an annual conference.

The Lillian Fountain Smith Conference provides participants with the most current, objective and authoritative information available in selected areas of human nutrition and food safety from nationally-recognized speakers known for their contributions to nutrition research and/or practice. Attendees can obtain 10 continuing professional education units.

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition is part of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Colorado State University.
To find out more and to register, visit http://www.fshn.chhs.colostate.edu/outreach/lfs/index.aspx or call (970) 491-7334.

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