Meet Dr. Ro

Rovenia Brock, Ph.D., better known as Dr. Ro, has teamed up with Chicken of the Sea and America’s Second Harvest on the Twice A Week for Better Health campaign to help educate the public about the issues of hunger and lack of nutrition in America, as well as the health benefits of seafood.  America’s most renowned nutritionist, Dr. Ro holds a doctorate in nutritional sciences with a master’s degree in community nutrition and broadcast journalism from Howard University. She is also the author of the best-seller, “Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets to Livin’ Healthy,” and she can be heard as a nutrition contributor to National Public Radio.

Dr. Ro is known for reporting on nutrition issues and motivating people to work toward achieving better health.  She has shared her knowledge of healthy living on numerous television shows and news segments, including “The Today Show,” CNN, MSNBC and BET.  Her health expertise has also been featured on WebMD.com and in publications such as O Magazine, Self, Ebony, Essence and Quick & Simple.  Additionally, Dr. Ro is a columnist for Heart & Soul magazine, serves as the nutrition expert for BET.com and can be seen as the host of the TV One Series, “Livin’ Healthy with Dr. Ro” and PBS’s health and lifestyle series “Health Matters.”

 



Here are just a few of the seafood-related questions that Dr. Ro hears most often.

  1. I have been hearing about omega-3 a lot lately. What is it, and why is it important for my health?

    2. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that can be found in deep-sea fish, such as tuna and salmon. These fatty acids are great for the heart and reduce the risk of heart disease. Research shows they may also reduce the incidence of the most common type of stroke. For these reasons, the American Heart Association says people should eat fish twice a week.

  2. How does seafood help with heart health?

    3. Studies have found that seafood and the omega-3 fatty acids found in it can help protect against heart attack and sudden death, while improving circulation. According to The Journal of American Medical Association, eating fish reduces the risk of death from coronary disease (the single largest killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association) by 36 percent.

  3. I’m pregnant. Can I eat seafood, too?

    4. Yes, in fact, seafood should be an important part of everyone’s diet. Pregnant women are advised to follow government guidelines regarding fish consumption. Please refer to the FDA's Web site to view these guidelines.

  4. How can seafood help with diabetes?

    5. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 20 million Americans have diabetes, and some don’t even know it yet. For people suffering from diabetes, eating foods high and protein and omega-3, like fish, can help reduce the disease’s effects.

  5. What role does seafood play in weight management?

    6. Seafood is filled with protein, omega-3 and other much-needed nutrients that can help those looking to lose or simply maintain current weight. For the more than 44 million Americans who are considered obese, fish is a healthy food option that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and calories.

  6. I’m not sure how much seafood I should be eating. Are there any recommendations for this?

    7. According to the American Heart Association, USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, American Medical Association and American Diabetes Association, each person should eat fish at least twice a week, due to its numerous health benefits.

  7. Why is Chicken of the Sea partnering with America’s Second Harvest?

    8. Chicken of the Sea is teaming-up with America’s Second Harvest because the company is concerned about America’s health and is committed to helping consumers lead healthier lives. Through the partnership, Chicken of the Sea will be making sure seafood gets into the hands of the nation’s hungry, while also educating Americans about the many health benefits of fish.

  8. I thought America did not have a hunger problem. How many people does this issue affect?

    9. More than 35 million Americans live in food-insecure homes, which means they are unable to access enough food to meet basic nutritional requirements. Of those, 25 million Americans experienced hunger due to a lack of financial resources over the last year.

  9. How can I find out more about America’s Second Harvest?

    10. America’s Second Harvest is the nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization, with more than 200 member food banks and food-rescue organizations across the country. To learn more, please visit www.secondharvest.org.