Serving size: 4 meatballs

Preparation:  

Reducing Salt Benefits Teens Later On 

Teenagers who reduce their daily salt intake by a seemingly small amount can markedly reduce their likelihood of hypertension in young adulthood. Additionally, the decreased risk of hypertension can be expected to extend into middle age provided that teenagers maintain their dietary salt reduction as they age.

Researchers used computer modeling analysis to quantify the benefits of a daily 3-gram decrease (approximately half a teaspoon) in dietary salt consumed by American teenagers. The data showed that decreased dietary salt among teens also leads to lower rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death as teens reach young adulthood and middle age. In the United States, teenagers consume 9.2 grams per day of salt (or 3,800 mg per day of sodium), more than any other age group. The American Heart Association recommends that Americans consume less than 5.8 grams per day of salt, or fewer than 2,300 mg sodium.

Update on the AAKP Annual Convention! 

AAKP is planning a combined public policy event and enhanced Annual Convention for August 25-28, 2011. AAKP has planned its initial public policy forum to be held at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. We will invite national policy, medical and academic experts to discuss and debate preventative medicine and health considerations among minority communities who are disproportionately impacted by chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

Immediately following the public policy forum at the Clinton Presidential Center, we will begin the 2011 AAKP Annual Convention. Building on the successes of the 2010 Convention, we will involve specific tracks/sessions to meet the needs of a wide range of current and future patients, their families and caregivers and various professional groups. The Convention host hotel is the Peabody Little Rock. The room rate is $114 per night. Call 1-800-PEABODY to make your reservations today! Don't forget to mention you are with the American Association of Kidney Patients' National Convention. 

We hope you plan on joining us at the 2011 Annual Convention and helping AAKP move forward in its patient education and public policy efforts.

Rice is a staple food eaten daily by over half the people on earth. Rice is classified according to size of the grains -- long-grain, medium-grain, and short-grain rice. When cooked, long-grain rice is fluffy with separate grains; short-grain rice is sticky and clumps together. Rice comes in many forms -- brown, white, aromatic, and glutinous rice.

Rice is a great choice for a dialysis diet! It's naturally low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. It can be eaten as a cereal, as a starch with a main entrée, or as a dessert. Rice tastes good steamed with lemon or Mrs. Dash® herb seasonings. Beware of rice mixes, fried rice, and Mexican rice prepared with tomato sauce. Sodium content of these rice dishes is very high, and tomato products add extra potassium.

For more information on the nutrient values of rice varieties click here.