Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label

Nutrition Content ABOIMIn May 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that new changes will be implemented for the ubiquitous nutritional label that many consumers rely on when assessing the nutritional content of the food they find at the store. The biggest change incorporated into this new label is that it will now include a separate line that indicates added sugar (in grams) as well as the percentage of “daily value” of sugar that nutritionists and health experts have determined to be acceptable as part of a healthy diet.

By updating the nutrition label, the FDA is making a clear statement that consumers need to know how much sugar they are consuming on a daily basis. In many cases, seemingly healthful foods are loaded with complex sugars, which can contribute to juvenile diabetes, obesity, and a litany of other health problems that are worrisome to individuals and place a significant burden on the North American healthcare system as a whole. Furthermore, as the FDA describes: “Scientific data shows that it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar.” The public needs to know this information, and the increased transparency provided by the new nutritional label is an excellent step toward consumer education.

At the American Board of Integrative Medicine® (ABOIM), a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), our Diplomates strongly support any measure that seeks to help increase the overall healthfulness of the general public. One of the tenets of Integrative Medicine is to identify ways to improve the body, mind, and spirit of the patient, and this often entails taking a long hard look at their diet. By making relatively minor adjustments to daily consumption – limiting the intake of added sugars, for example – many patients find they feel healthier day to day, and are also less prone to the onset of avoidable diseases.

To learn more about how nutrition can impact your overall health and wellness, speak with an Integrative Medicine physician in your community. To determine if your physician is certified through the ABOIM, click here to visit our online verification portal. Integrative Medicine specialists interested in pursuing certification are also welcome to contact us to learn about our eligibility requirements. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine