The Empowering RD

04/04/2026

WIC isn’t just a food program—it’s preventive care and a healthcare intervention, proven to reduce health disparities.

Participation in WIC improves outcomes for both mom and baby, including:
• 20–30% reduction in low birth weight
• 10–20% lower risk of preterm birth
• 5–15% higher breastfeeding initiation rates
• Improved diet quality in young children (higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
• Reduced iron deficiency/anemia in children
(NBER, 2025; USDA/NIH, 2019)

Cutting funding now removes these critical supports, leading to worse health outcomes and higher long-term healthcare costs.

The National WIC Association strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s FY27 budget proposal, which would significantly cut WIC’s fruit and vegetable benefits and threaten access to nutritious foods for millions of low-income families. The proposed reductions would reverse recent gains in mater...

04/03/2026

Are you aware of the early signs of diabetes? Frequent urination, constant thirst, and fatigue could be your body’s way of sending a message. 🩺

03/31/2026

New research shows that combining strength and balance exercises with protein may help older adults improve muscle strength, mobility, and independence as they age.

12/01/2025

Alcohol — especially wine — has an image as a heart-healthy choice, but few are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer risk. The link should be of special concern to women, since increased breast cancer risk starts at relatively low amounts of alcohol: http://blog.aicr.org/2018/02/26/how-do-i-read-mixed-messaging-on-alcohol-and-health/

10/04/2025

09/14/2025

https://animalequality.org/news/2025/04/15/march-global-actions-take-on-factory-farming-cruelty/

Animal Equality faced some of the toughest battles in animal protection last month. Here’s how supporters turned the tide for animals.

08/09/2025

Our produce storage guide is here to help! 🥦🍎
Keep fruits and veggies fresh longer with smart storage tips:

• Apples stay crisp for up to 8 weeks in the fridge
• Avocados, bananas, and peaches go quickly—best within days
• Garlic and onions can last for months in a cool, dry spot
• Berries, beans, and mushrooms need quick use—about a week
• Tomatoes and watermelon are happiest at room temperature
• Root veggies like potatoes and carrots offer extended shelf life
• Leafy greens like lettuce and zucchini stay fresh for 7–10 days in the fridge

🥕 Store smarter, waste less, enjoy more freshness!

08/06/2025

06/18/2025

With diet-related chronic diseases continually rising, it’s imperative that the FDA and NIH work closely to prioritize a better understanding of the root causes to end the diet-related chronic disease crisis and safeguard the health of America’s children.