STUDY: FEW GET ENOUGH VEGETABLES.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

BURBANK - Although they live in a state with a mild climate and abundant produce, most Californians fail to exercise enough or eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, according to a study released Wednesday by the American Cancer Society.

Comprised of surveys of more than 3,500 children, teens and adults, the study found that less than 40 percent of respondents don't eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily as recommended. In fact, they averaged just three or four servings daily, and were more likely to eat fruits than vegetables.

The problem could be easily resolved if people of all ages would just munch an extra apple or crunch another carrot every day, said Carolyn Katzin, a nutritionist with the Cancer Society.

``We are not talking about a big change,'' she said during an interview at Washington Elementary School in Burbank, where the study was unveiled. ``A small change would have a big impact. If we can get one person to eat one to two more servings a day, we could reduce the incidents of disease and mortality due to cancer.''

Researchers consistently associate eating vegetables with lowering cancer risk.

``We need fruits and vegetables more today than ever because of the stress we are under,'' Katzin said. ``Fruits and vegetables protect us from the damage stress can cause.''

Children and teen-age boys recorded the worst results in the study, with 79 and 76 percent, respectively, failing to meet nutritional guidelines. Teen-age girls and adults fared only slightly better, with 63 percent of girls and 68 percent of adults not eating enough fruits and vegetables.

The Cancer Society blamed poor eating habits on the high consumption of fast-food meals - which include minimal fruits or vegetables. The study found that 15 percent of children, 32 percent of teens and 21 percent of adults eat fast food on a typical day.

The study also determined that high numbers of Californians - particularly teens and adults - do not exercise regularly.

While health guidelines call for adults to exercise at least 30 minutes and children and teens to be physically active at least an hour most days of the week, only 61 percent of children, 41 percent of teens and 22 percent of adults reported doing so.

The consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle, Katzin warned, include a higher risk of diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, cancer and obesity - conditions that add up to billions of dollars in medical treatment costs annually.

An interesting element of the study, Katzin said, is the positive association the surveys found among gardening, fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise. Those who garden reported being more active and eating more vegetables and fruits.

``Today when you go to the supermarket, vegetables are shrink-wrapped and come in a container,'' said Katzin. ``Gardening brings a whole new respect and appreciation for fruits and vegetables.''

That was borne out by youngsters at Washington Elementary, where students grow tomatoes, carrots, peaches, flowers, herbs and other plants in a campus garden, and say they enjoy the work.

``I learned it's really healthy for you to eat vegetables and fruits to build up your energy,'' said fourth-grader Jared Goff.

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Photo: HEALTHY CHOICES

The following shows the percentage of Californians who eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables needed to stay healthy.

SOURCE: American Cancer Society