In the final article of this series, we will look at the risk of chronic disease in the stages of adult and older adult populations. November is National Diabetes Month, which highlights a chronic disease that affects 11.6% or 38.4 million Americans. 12.1% of non-Hispanic Black adults have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

During the childhood life stage, there is a rapid period of growth that is occurring. This growth sets the foundation for musculoskeletal, metabolic, and immune health. Replacing the consumption of sugary beverages with milk can help eliminate potential dietary imbalances.

Learn the role dairy plays throughout the lifespan and how it helps to address health disparities for Black Americans beginning with pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation. Adequate nutrition is particularly important during this time as this is a lifespan stage where rapid development is taking place, setting the stage for future health implications.

I look forward to using my experience to increase The Dairy Alliance’s connection with people of color and share all of the nutritional benefits dairy has to offer.