Salt: could eating less save lives?

Summary of Article for Parents: A new study has found that if Americans reduce the amount of salt they consume in foods they make and buy, it could save a half-million Americans it who otherwise would die of premature death. Click here for article.

Discussion Outline:

• The current event today is about something we eat every day that we don't even realize. It is something hidden in every single food we eat. What could it be?
• Sodium, or salt, is added to everything we eat. Why? (Answers, it tastes good, it also helps prevent foods from spoiling). 
• How does salt get into our food? (We add it from salt shakers, or it comes in prepared foods we buy at the market and restaurants)
• A new study has found that if eat even just a little bit less salt every day, we are less likely to get cancers and heart disease. In other words, the things we eat can cause us to get certain diseases. If we don't eat those foods, it can help prevent us from getting those diseases.
• What foods do you think are the highest in salt? Guess 5. 
• Click here for a sample of some of the worst offenders. 
• Why do Americans especially have so much cancers and heart disease? Because we eat a lot of prepared foods (processed foods). 
• If you could reduce your sodium intake, what food would you eat less of? 
• Scavenger hunt post-dinner: Show kids how to read nutritional info on a box of cereal and to find the sodium count. Have kids look in freezer, fridge and pantry for processed foods. Which food in the house has the highest amount of sodium? Which has the least?