104 Nutrition & Wellness for Life Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. DRIs can be used by nutritionists to develop menus that meet nutritional require- ments for specific groups, such as the elderly, a prison population, or the military (Figure 5.2). DRIs also serve as a foundation for other nutrition-related guidance for Americ ans. Dietary Guidelines for Americans The Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published by the United States Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides information and advice that promotes health through improved nutrition and physical activity. Revised every five years, the Guidelines • refl ects current science on diet and health • provides guidance for healthy food and beverage choices for individuals two years of age and older • aids policy makers in designing and implementing nutrition-related initiatives • provides direction for relevant organizations and industries and • functions as the basis for nutrition education programs, federal nutrition assistance programs such as school meals and Meals on Wheels, and dietary advice provided by health professionals. Poor dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and overweight and obesity con- tinue to be issues that undermine (weaken) the health of Americans. These issues increase an individual’s risk for a variety of chronic diseases. The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines focuses on overall eating and physical activity patterns, as well as their relationship to health and risk of disease. Figure 5.2 Dietary reference standards are used by government agencies that design, operate, and evaluate food and nutrition assistance programs such as the school lunch program. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com