Miami, FL–(HISPANIC PR WIRE)–January 3, 2008–Internationally recognized Mexican singer Alicia Villarreal has teamed up with the Milk Processors Education Program (MilkPEP) to help communicate to Hispanic moms across the country the importance for her and her family of drinking milk to stay healthy, strong and in shape. Studies suggest that the nutrients in 3 glasses of lowfat or fat free milk a day can help promote a healthy weight and the protein, along with exercise, can help build lean muscle mass. As such, Alicia will be showing off her milk mustache with her 3 kids in the upcoming Hispanic ad campaign, which debuts in print magazines nationwide on January 3rd.

This message is vital for Hispanics since according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1/3 of Hispanics in the United States are currently obese. Obesity leads to many health-related problems that Hispanics are already predisposed to such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.(1)

“I have always wanted to be part of the Hispanic milk mustache campaign because it provides me with the opportunity to educate Hispanics about essential health issues such as the importance of drinking 3 glasses of milk everyday. As a woman in show business, and a mother, I feel I can set a good example for all Hispanic moms as well as my own family,” Alicia said.

Think About Your Drink

When trying to achieve a healthy weight most people focus on what’s on their plate, but what’s filling their glass may also be important. Over the past 30 years there has been a significant increase in the consumption of sugary soft drinks while milk consumption has declined. This increased consumption of calorie and sugar filled drinks may be associated with unhealthy weight gain and higher levels of body fat among children and teens.(2)

Many Hispanic moms mistakenly believe that whole milk is of greater nutritional value than fat-free or non-fat milk. But that is not true. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommended switching from whole milk to low-fat or fat-free milk around a child’s second birthday because it will provide the child with the same essential nutrients but with less fat.

“Something that was a surprise to learn was that low-fat and fat free milk have exactly the same nutrients as whole milk. Knowing that, why would anyone trying to stay healthy not drink low-fat or fat free milk?,” asks Alicia.

Momma Knows Best

Parents play an instrumental role in teaching their kids healthy eating habits from an early age. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that moms who regularly drink milk and make it available at family mealtimes ensure that their kids get enough calcium as they enter adolescence, which is a critical time for bone growth and development.(3)

As a mother of 2 young children and a newborn baby, this is particularly important to Alicia. “My children, like many other kids, pay a lot more attention to what I do than what I say. So part of the reason for why I drink milk is to serve as a role model for them and to encourage them to drink their 3 glasses of milk per day. At breakfast they generally eat cereal with milk and fruit. During lunchtime at school, I always encourage my daughter Melanie to drink milk. And at dinner, which is the meal that we share together, I always serve them milk. Sometimes flavored milk…they all like a different flavor!,” explains Alicia.

Success

This internationally recognized Mexican singer was born in Monterrey, Mexico where she began her career as a singer of grupera music. In 1995 she was named the queen of the mariachis during the award show “Premios lo Nuestro.” She released her first solo album in 2003 and has since been awarded a Latin Grammy for her 2004 solo album release Cuando el Corazón se Cruza.

“Success is not so much about how many records you release, but rather about taking care of yourself and your family. It’s not only about looking good but about feeling good, too. Every Hispanic mom can accomplish that by being making nutritious food choices and adopting a healthy lifestyle. What could be better than drinking milk?,” concludes Alicia.

Sobre Milk PEP

The Milk Processor Education Program (Milk PEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The Milk PEP Board runs the national Milk Mustache “got milk?” Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to http://www.thinkaboutyourdrink.com. The tagline “got milk?”(R) was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.

1. Zemel MB, Richards J, Milstead A, Campbell P. Effects of calcium and dairy on body composition and weight loss in African-American adults. Obesity Research. 2005 13(7): 1218-1225.

2. Malik VS, Schulze MB, Hu FB. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain:a systematic review. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006; 84-:274-288.

3. Fischer, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004.

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