FORMER SEAHAWKS RUNNING BACK HEADLINES WIAA COACHES SCHOOL Dr. Dan Doornink Discusses How Good Nutrition Fuels Peak Performance Nearly 500 Washington state high school coaches and athletic administrators will have an opportunity to listen to former Seattle Seahawks running back Dr. Dan Doornink discuss proper nutrition for student athletes at the ninth annual WIAA Coaches School August 5-6 in Yakima, Washington. “Nutrition is important to achieve peak performance,” said Doornink who played eight seasons in the National Football League. “When athletes eat fast foods, junk foods or whatever food is around, they’re at a tremendous disadvantage. The key for young athletes is to incorporate a variety of foods in their diet, including grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy. Dr. Doornink will team up with Susan Adams, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant, to deliver presentations at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday, August 6, during the WIAA Coaches School at the Yakima Convention Center. Both presentations are sponsored by the Washington Interscholastic Nutrition Forum. “As the rates of obesity and chronic diseases associated with being overweight continue to rise, it is critical that kids, especially athletes, learn the importance of eating a well balanced diet for lifelong health,” Adams said. According to the American Obesity Association, since 1976, obesity rates in children and young adults have more than doubled. “It’s important that athletes follow good logical nutrition rather than fads. That’s where coaches can play a role,” Doornink added. “If athletes eat right and experience how good nutrition can make a positive impact on their performance, both on the field and in the classroom, then there’s a good chance they’ll carry that same approach into their daily lives. A native of Yakima, Dr. Doornink starred at Wapato High School and Washington State University before his eight-year NFL career. He spent one season with the New York Giants in 1978 and was a fullback, running back and special teams player with the Seattle Seahawks from 1979-1984. Dr. Doornink now practices medicine in Yakima at the Cornerstone Medical Clinic. Adams is also originally from Yakima and is a graduate of the University of Washington. She’s a former national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and is currently a research dietitian in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Washington studying food choices and the costs relating to obesity. Concerns Since 1976, obesity rates in children and young adults have more than doubled. Nearly 2/3 of the United States population is considered overweight or obese. Obesity may soon pass smoking as the leading cause of preventable death and chronic disease. Dietary Guidelines In January 2005, the USDA released a new set of dietary guidelines which includes daily exercise along with a healthy, balanced diet. These nutrition education guidelines are aimed at teaching Americans how to live a healthy lifestyle. - Consume a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables while staying within energy needs. Two cups of fruit and 21/2 cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level. - Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. In particular, select from all five vegetable subgroups (dark green, orange, legumes, starchy vegetables, and other vegetables) several times per week. - Consume 6 ounces of grain products per day, with at least half coming from enriched or whole grains. - Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products. - Consume 5.5 ounces per day from the meat (lean meats, poultry or fish) and beans group. About the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association The WIAA is the governing body of high school and junior high school sports and activities in the state of Washington. The WIAA exists to assist member schools in operating student programs that foster achievement, respect, equity, enthusiasm and excellence in a safe and organized environment. For more information, visit www.wiaa.com. About the Washington Interscholastic Nutrition Forum Comprised of coaches, student-athletes, registered dietitians and nutrition experts, the WINForum’s is dedicated to promoting better nutrition education for young athletes in order to build lifelong healthy eating habits. The goal of the WINForum is to reinforce the connection between good nutrition and peak performance both in the classroom and in competition. For more information, visit www.winforum.org. Copyright © 2008 DeLaunay Communications, Inc.