When it comes to physical activity, 9-year-old Makayla Long has a secret weapon.
Drinking chocolate milk, or sometimes strawberry-flavored, gives her the special boost she occasionally needs to handle tough competitors at school recess.
“It feels like I have lots of energy,” says Makayla. “It feels like I’m super-fast and everybody else is super-slow.”
Calcium also protects against lead absorption and is a critical asset in the daily lives of individuals who’ve been exposed to lead, particularly young children.
Energy from milk’s vitamins should come in handy when Makayla leaps and strikes poses as part of the cheer team she’s forming with a few friends.
Active children like her are targets of the “Milk Means More” campaign by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
Detroit Pistons star Andre Drummond has joined the effort as an ambassador, sharing with youth the significance of a healthy diet.
“Nutrition is important, especially to athletes,” Drummond says. “I enjoy strawberry milk after workouts and games because it’s the perfect fuel for my recovery. The proteins, carbs, and nutrients in milk set me up for success every time I hit the court.”
Three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods are recommended for youth Makayla’s age and older. Latonya Long, Makayla’s mother, says dairy, which is children’s number one source of dietary protein and calcium, is a staple in their household.
“It’s healthy and it’s good for her bones,” Long says. “We drink milk daily because we eat a lot of cereal.”
Along with hot chocolate and pizza, occasionally, Makayla enjoys dairy in dishes like “cheese rice,” a home casserole recipe Long prepares.
“She loves it,” says her mom.
Similar dishes made from low-fat cheeses, like lasagna, and dairy-based snacks like yogurt or fruit smoothies all contain calcium that helps build strong bones, as well as essential nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy.
Calcium also protects against lead absorption and is a critical asset in the daily lives of individuals who’ve been exposed to lead, particularly young children.
Infants’ and children’s bodies absorb lead more quickly than adults, and milk is a great source of calcium that helps form a shield of sorts , protecting against lead absorption. Other calcium-rich foods include tofu, sardines, salmon, broccoli, and green, leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale and spinach.
“To be a well-rounded athlete, you need good offense and defense,” says Drummond, who is particularly sensitive to his role in helping to encourage Flint families meet daily recommended dairy intake.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the following levels:
1 to 3 years old — 700 milligrams of calcium daily (about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of whole milk)
4 to 8 years old — 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily (about 2 1/2 cups of fat free or low-fat milk)
9 to 18 years old — 1,300 milligrams of calcium daily (about 3 cups of fat free or low-fat milk)
“Dairy provides both by helping build a strong body and bones with calcium, and by protecting those bones from lead, at the same time. As part of a balanced diet, milk is a perfect teammate,” Drummond says.
Calcium is only part of the equation. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption, so it is added to milk. Kids 1 to 18 years old should get 600 IU of vitamin D daily.
“Milk Means More” promotes awareness to the general public while giving special attention to those with active lifestyles. In his ambassador role, Drummond joins other pros in promoting milk to athletes of all ages, through special appearances and social media.
“We are thrilled to have Andre join the ‘Milk Means More’ team,” says Sharon Toth, registered dietitian and CEO of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “His reputation on and off the court, combined with his commitment to the community, make Andre the perfect ambassador.”
Editor’s note: For additional information visit milkmeansmore.org
Pistons star Andre Drummond joins dairy campaign added by E.B. Allen on
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