Barbara Ames
Nutrition, Health,
and Food Safety
As a part of addressing local health concerns, I participated in the Montgomery County Wellness Coalition’s Independence Community Wellness Meeting. This meeting was one of four held in January throughout the county geared toward gaining input and ideas from local residents regarding what they see as health barriers in their communities. These meetings are one of our initial steps with the Coalition in order to develop a plan of how to move forward with our goal of helping grow healthier communities.
Programs:
Medicalodges of Pittsburg was the site of a ServSafe Food Handler Workshop I shared with a number of their staff members in early January. In addition to a video and lecture time regarding food safety, the three hour workshop included a handwashing activity, thermometer calibration activity, a simulated germ growth activity, and a ball game involving recall of some items we had discussed in class. Class participants wrote on their surveys that they had learned more about:
“Wiser Choices…Some Tools You Can Use” was the title of a class I shared with a TOPS group in Pittsburg on January 22. Due to some rain and sleet that pulled in that evening, we did not have the number of participants the leader had originally projected. However, we had an effective program with lots of good questions discussed regarding nutrition topics presented.
FAD DIET
REALITY CHECK
Some comments from participant surveys included:
• I learned to make better food choices like eat more vegetables and fruits, bean protein, low fat foods, and make my plate a “rainbow of color”.
• I learned that what we eat impacts our quality of life!
• I plan to get more exercise.
• Our presenter explained in simple terms for us to understand.
Here is an excerpt from an email the leader sent me the next day: “I particularly felt the power point visuals were helpful in teaching how to compare food choices, and I also liked your emphasis on the importance of eating/lifestyle choices in regard to preventing chronic disease and promoting wellness. We who were present plan to share with other members as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Thank you again for your wonderful program, information, and sharing for healthy living!”