Got nutrients? National studies show that the average person consumes less than the recommended levels of one or more essential nutrients. The impact on health could be extensive. To help people avoid nutrient deficiencies, a new University of Hawaii Web site is being launched this weekend. It is called “;Got Nutrients?”; (www.manoa.hawaii.edu/gotnutrients).

In association with the Web site, the Honolulu Star-Bulletin will provide daily health tips on Page 2 of the Hawaii section beginning Monday.

  Question: Where did the idea for “;Got Nutrients?”; come from?

Answer: A senior nutrition public-awareness campaign was one of the priorities set by the Honolulu Subarea Health Planning Council in 2008. A major component of the campaign would be the development of a Web site offering daily nutrition tips supported by articles providing more information about the daily advice, as well as scientific, evidence-based research. The key message would be “;Variety, Moderation and Balance.”; Overall, the Web site content is designed to cut through media messages hyping “;good foods”; and bashing “;bad foods”; to provide scientifically sound messages that are simple and balanced.

Q: What is the Honolulu Subarea Health Planning Council?

A: HONSAC is one of six advisory health planning councils that work with the State Health Planning and Development Agency. HONSAC members are volunteers representing a broad cross section of the community.

Q: How does “;Got Nutrients?”; work?

A: “;Got Nutrients?”; is a daily health campaign providing simple tips that can help people understand how to meet their nutritional needs and maintain good health. Daily tips will be provided in print in the Star-Bulletin, on the Web site and e-mailed free to those who subscribe on the Web site. All tips will be linked to a consumer-friendly article and an evidence-based resource providing scientific support.

Q: Who is the “;Got Nutrients?”; audience?

A: Although the campaign initially focused on senior citizens, HONSAC realized that information on the site would be useful to all age groups. This led to the current intergenerational nature of the site, acknowledging how we all share everything, including valuable health information that can help other members of our ohana, or extended family.

The Web site is managed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa by the two of us. Others supporting the site are Alu Like, Lanakila Meals on Wheels and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources extension professionals.