Development and Evaluation of a Community Consumer Education Program for Parents and Children

SUZUKI; Mihoko 

R&D Department, Imex Japan Co Ltd, 22-8 Shimomidori-cho, Shinchiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8425, Japan  (mihoyuki2014@gmail.com) 

Although the Consumer Education Promotion Act in Japan stipulates that "Education deepens the understanding of participation in planning for consumers forming a society," the goals for consumers – especially for elementary school children and their parents – have not been well established. A "community consumer education program" was developed, implemented, and evaluated according to the "image-map" framework for the consumer education system. Participant surveys using questionnaire in this study revealed that the program helped children to develop clear awareness of the issue of food waste at home and in society, developing a greater concern for the socially vulnerable. Adults were motivated to learn more about ethical consumption and developed improved awareness of the social consequences of consumption. Parent-child communication via this program enabled adults and children to learn from each other.

A Case Study on Functional Food Intake in a Diabetic Patient: No Such Thing as a Magic Bullet Part-II

FOONG; Anthony FW¹  SATO; Erina²  

R&D Department, Imex Japan Co Ltd, 22-8 Shimomidori-cho, Shinchiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8425, Japan (78imexfw@gmail.com) 

BACKGROUND: Useful ingredients in functional foods A and B previously improved certain physical symptoms (PSs) deficits due to ageing; however, blood sugar levels (monitored as glycemated hemoglobin or HbA1C) of a type-2 diabetic were unsatisfactory. We investigated the probable factors by focusing on the supply source, types and concentrates of sugar-regulating substances in ingredient mulberry leaf extract (MLE) as the extract was previously not well-defined. The revised functional food C (replaced previously known B), where all ingredients remained the same in quantity and supply sources, except MLE where the useful ingredient 1.2% 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) was defined and obtained from a new supplier Z. METHODS: Volunteer patient P, who led a sedentary lifestyle, had continued intake of functional food A and complemented A with C after 2 control readings had been taken. Controls and blood analytical data were respectively monitored before and after combined A+C intake at 3-month (3-mo) intervals. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), and other metabolic indexes were taken before (A alone) and after combined A+C intake. P led his usual normal life without dietary restrictions. PSs were also monitored before and after combined A+C intake. RESULTS: Blood pressure (BP) was normal, with slight improvement in BMI values. Total cholesterol (T-Cho), triglycerides (TG) levels varied in a similar pattern, which eventually registered normal after 9-mo combined A+C intake. HbA1c levels scored impressive improvements in a time-dependent manner: i.e. decreasing from 8.0 and 9 (controls) to 7.5, 6.9, and 6.8 at 3-, 6- and 9-mo combined A+C intakes, respectively. Improved PSs were well maintained. DISCUSSION: The BMI improved from overweight to normal status. Rebounds in T-Cho (3-, 6-mo) and TG (6-mo) levels were probably associated with high-calorie sweets taken in August. The most impressive finding in this study is the marked improvement in HbA1c findings. Replacement of MLE from a new source Z with defined 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) concentrate made all the difference: the alpha-glucosidases-inhibiting DNJ, fagomine, and other active sugar-regulating components in MLE may have lowered blood sugar levels, thus improving HbA1c values. Functional foods comprising effective ingredients would most likely elicit useful effects, if the active ingredient with a defined concentrate was used.

SATO; Noriko  

Chief Executive Officer, Imex Japan Co Ltd, 22-8 Shimomidori-cho, Shinchiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8425, Japan

For drivers to enjoy driving a vehicle, whether they are maneuvering forward or negotiating a curve, he/she should be free to steer, slow down, accelerate, and brake without the distraction of uneccessary noises or disturbances around them. At the same time, a person driving a car is often accompanied by companions, friends, or family members. In such situations, there is usually a so-called “co-driver” in the seat next to them.

All in all, co-drivers will greatly help facilitate the driver’s task by adhering to the following guidelines.