Barbara Ames
Nutrition, Health,
and Food Safety
Diabetes Prevention Is Topic At Labette County High School
“Diabetes Prevention Through Better Choices” was the topic shared with three Labette County High School Career/Technical Education classes of students considering careers in some field of health. Students learned about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the very serious complications of uncontrolled diabetes. We also discussed how to manage diabetes and made the connection that prevention of diabetes should be a priority for everyone.
Just a few simple lifestyle changes now can help us avoid getting diabetes (and a number of other chronic diseases) later. So, we spent much of the class discussing prevention tips from the American Diabetes Association. Simple changes like eating more healthfully, becoming more physically active and losing a few extra pounds if needed can make all the difference in a person’s health; and, it’s never too late to start.
The teacher for the classes had to be out the day I was there. However, she sent me a great note signed by herself and her students. It said, “Thank you so much for coming. My sub said it was a great presentation. Sorry I had to miss it.” The substitute teacher told me between classes that she has been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and that she was “learning so much from the presentation” that would help her understand diabetes and how to manage her health more effectively.
Labette County Residents Learn About Dark Chocolate
The Parsons Senior Center was the location for my third presentation of our “When It Comes to Chocolate…Choose Dark” program. Close to thirty participants viewed our presentation, tasted some of our recipes and collected recipe sheets to try at home. An avid listener to the presentation was Parsons Sun Reporter, Ray Nolting, who shared a great article titled “Event shares benefits of dark chocolate to a willing world”, in the Parsons Sun along with a couple of photos, and all of our recipes. The article can be found at: http://www.parsonssun.com/news/article_16b3c0b2-d57c-11e7-aca0-63eb69cb0d71.html.
The many chocolate lovers in attendance were rightfully excited about the health benefits of chocolate. However, I was happy that Mr. Nolting was careful to mention “moderation” in his article too. He shared my comment that: “Chocolate can fit into a healthy eating plan as long as it’s taken in small portions and does not replace other healthier foods.” Thank you to the Labette County FCE Units for providing samples at the event, and to The Parsons Sun for helping promote health education.
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