This week you learned about micro nutrients that participate in blood cell formation and function. Also, you learned that minerals are vital players in electrolyte and acid/base balance. This forum will build on that knowledge.

Initial Post:  If your last name starts with the following letter, then you will discuss the following topic for your initial post.

First Letter of Last Name

Topic

A through F

Topic 1

G through L

Topic 2

M through R

Topic 3

S through Z

Topic 4

Topic 1:  Healthy People 2020 set a goal that 80% of the people in the U.S. have optimally fluoridated water available in their community. Today, about 72% of Americans have access to optimally fluoridated water.  Do you know if your community water supply is fluoridated? To find the answer, check with your local water department.  Is the water naturally rich in fluoride, or is this mineral added to the water supply? What amount of fluoride is in the drinking water? If it is added to the water supply, how long has this procedure been in operation? If the water does not provide fluoride, how can you obtain sufficient fluoride?

Topic 2:  Claire runs cross country in college.  She knows she needs adequate carbohydrate to keep her body fueled.  Typically, her food intake consists of cheese sticks and a glass of orange juice for breakfast; a peanut butter sandwich, apple , bag of pretzels, and sweetened tea for lunch; spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic, bread, salad, and a glass of milk for dinner; and an orange for her evening snack.  Lately, she is feeling tired and has to wear a sweatshirt in class to keep warm. She is also having trouble concentrating.  What do you think is causing Claire’s problem and why?  What would you recommend?

Topic 3: Your Uncle has seen the recent recommendations to reduce our salt intake along with the discussions on the amount of salt in our food. He wonders why we need it if it is so bad for our health.  How would you explain this dilemma?  What would you recommend?

Topic 4: Your friend is sick and has diarrhea, maybe from food poisoning.  Why is it important for her to drink water even when she does not feel well and doesn’t want to eat?  Do you think drinking fluids will help her feel better?

Your initial post must be at least 250 words and posted by Wednesday, 11:55 pm EST. You need to state your thesis and support it with evidence and at least one outside, reputable reference. Your textbook is not an outside reference. Remember, there is no right or wrong.  Before you post your initial forum discussion, submit it in the assignment area, so its originality is checked by turnitin.com. Your originality index or score should be less than 15%. If it is greater than 15%, rewrite your discussion, submit it again in the assignment area and check the %. Keep doing this until your % is less than 15 and then post your discussion in the forum.  Please note, it can take 24 hours for the second submission to be checked, and the score returned.  If you do not check your post, then I will take points off.

Follow-up Posts: Once you have posted your initial forum discussion, you must reply to at least two other learner’s post.  Your two follow-up forums must be at least 100 words and posted