National Nutrition Month® is an annual education campaign held by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The 2016 theme is "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right," which encourages us to take time to enjoy food traditions. Since it began in 2000, National Colorectal Cancer Month has grown to be a rallying point for patients, survivors and caregivers to spread colon cancer awareness by wearing blue, honoring loved ones and motivating others to get screened. DID YOU KNOW? According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a carefully planned diet can make a difference if you have a chronic condition. Eating disorders affect both genders, although rates among women and girls are 2.5 times greater than among men and boys. Employees and covered dependents enrolled in one of the Anthem or Cigna PPOs can receive up to three sessions per calendar year with a nutritionist/dietician. Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. However, it is highly preventable by getting screened at age 50 or earlier if there is a history of this disease in your family. Pearson covers the first colonoscopy in a calendar year at 100%. If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Many of the symptoms of colon cancer can also be associated with other health conditions. Only a medical professional can determine the cause of your symptoms. TAKE ACTION: Find out how the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you and your family members deal with the emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis or eating disorders. Call 1-800-593-4138 or visit Cigna. (Employer ID: Pearson) Uncover the truth about 5 myths associated with colorectal cancer, and use this list to talk to your doctor to gain a better understanding of when you should have a colorectal screening. If you receive a diagnosis of any form of cancer, take advantage of the USDA's MyPlate to get inspired, and use it as a resource to create healthy meals. Check out the US Department of Agriculture's Lifecycle of Nutrition to see nutritional needs from birth to adulthood. Make learning about nutrition fun for your kids with Word Search and Soduko games. Learn more about the relationship between nutrition and diseases, plus information about eating disorders and food allergies.

LIFECARE WEBINARS Healthy Meal Planning - Learn how to identify healthy foods and ingredients, feed your family healthy foods on a budget, and how to incorporate them. Nutrition 101 - This webinar helps you learn about food and nutritional requirements, and the importance of eating for a healthy life. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WEBINARS March 16 – Gender Transition in the Workplace: A Guide for Coworkers March 23 – Employee Orientation to the EAP April 6 – Family Life: The Juggling Act Click here to see more webinars – just enter Pearson as the Employer ID and check out the Education/Resources section.   FOOD OF THE MONTH Lentils range in all different colors and sizes, and according to the USDA National Nutrient Database, are a rich source of numerous essential nutrients, particularly dietary fiber (11g/100g raw) and protein (25g). Try the lentil stew recipe and other budget friendly dishes at MyPlate.

Sources: American Cancer Society: USDA (and its associated websites); Colon Cancer Alliance; US Department of Health & Human Services; National Institute of Mental Health; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics