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WHEELING – A five-week program featuring presentations on nutrition and physical activity is being presented by WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital dietitians at seven area elementary schools.
"Nutrition Goes to School" is a unique course designed by the hospital's dietitians, Howard Long Wellness Center Director Joe Slavik and Ohio County Schools Child Nutrition Coordinator Renee Griffin. It is being held for third and fourth graders at Madison, Ritchie, Elm Grove, Middle Creek and Warwood elementary schools, St. Michael Parish School and Our Lady of Peace. Originally started in 2019, the program was on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The interactive, once-a-month presentations are designed to be fun as well as educational. Included are flyers containing healthy eating recommendations, games and recipes that the students can take home and share with their families. The flyers also include contact information for follow up and parent assistance.
Wheeling Hospital's dietitians include Renae Riley, Christina Brandon, Mary Rose Nichols, Theresa Brinsky and Emily Wojcik.
The hospital was exploring additional avenues for community outreach and the nutrition program fit the bill. The team also met with Wheeling Hospital pediatricians, and they agreed to distribute the educational flyers to their patients.
The dietitians said they are excited to implement a fun and responsive way to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles within the younger community in the area. They enjoy being a resource for the younger children in the community to promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.
These small steps implemented in childhood could prevent future problems in adulthood, when facing problems such as obesity, diabetes and arthrosclerosis.
Topics include:
• My Plate: Variety, Balance and Moderation - Importance of Breakfast, Lunch Dinner and Snacks
• Nifty Nutrients: Fat, Carbohydrates and Protein - Lunch Box Planning, Snack Ideas
• Nifty Nutrients: Whole Grain Goodness and Hydration
• Lean Protein and Dynamite Dairy Products
• Fantastic Fruits and Va Va Vegetables
Each "Nutrition Goes to School" presentation lasts 30 minutes and half of the time is devoted to physical activity.