Health and Nutrition

Are you searching for answers to yourHealth & Nutrition concerns?
Look no further!

Maryland CooperativeExtension can help!

Dr. Jennifer ThornBentlejewski
Registered Dietitian & Extension Educator
Garrett & Allegany Counties

301-334-6960 or 301-724-3320
jthorn@umd.edu

Family & ConsumerSciences

As part of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, weprovide health and nutrition-related information, resources, andclasses free of charge in both Garrett and AlleganyCounties. Allindividuals, organizations, agencies, churches, and businesses arewelcome to participate. Here are some of the classes that weoffer:

~ Nutrition & Health

Aim for Health Through Nutrition - Learn aboutportion distortion and how to make healthier food choices. Find outhow to eat less saturated fat and more fiber with healthymeals.

Combat Aging Through Good Nutrition -Find outhow you can combat aging through diet and exercise. This classaddresses bone health and nutrient needs, as well as vitamin andmineral recommendations.

Osteoporosis & Boosting Dietary Calcium-Learn prevention techniques to avoid this bone-thinningdisease later in life. This class will teach you how to incorporatecalcium-rich foods into your diet.

Facts and Fallacies about Fad Diets -The classaddresses misleading nutrition claims related to fad diets. Themain focus of this program is on the various diets promoted by themass media.

The Hidden Truth About Eating Disorders -Thisone-hour class is targeted to female teens as well as adults.Signs, symptoms, and treatment are discussed

Get a Taste for A Light But Lavish Holiday-Review the foundations of heart healthy nutrition practices toenjoy the holidays without tipping the scales.

~ Diabetes

Healthy Eating forDiabetes - Learn abouthow to manage diabetes through this comprehensive 3-part nutritionseries, lasting a total of six hours. The focus is on meal planningtechniques including the diabetic exchanges and carbohydratecounting. Strategies for dining out, using artificial sweeteners,and understanding food labels are also discussed.

Living Well With Diabetes - These one-hourdiabetes management classes are offered throughout the year toaddress current recommendations regarding medications, bloodglucose monitoring, foot care, eye care, and other innovativetopics. Health professionals such as physicians and nurses assistin teaching the classes.

~ Heart HealthyEating

Cholesterol- Lower It For A Heart Healthy Life- Obtain nutrition strategies to better mange your bloodcholesterol levels. This one-hour class will help you learn how tolimit fat and increase fiber in your diet.

~ DietarySupplements

Get the Facts About Vitamins and Minerals -Review the current recommendations for major vitamins, minerals andnutrients important for good health. Dietary supplements will alsobe discussed.

The Truth About Herbal Remedies - Learn toevaluate the possible benefits and risks of herbal supplements foryour health. This one-hour program overviews various popularsupplements and their risks.

If you have a disability that requiresspecial assistance for your participation in the program pleasecontact Maryland Cooperative Extension in thatcounty.

It is the policy of the Maryland CooperativeExtension that no person shall be subjected to discrimination onthe grounds of race, color, gender, religion, national origin,sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status ordisability.

To request any of the followingeducational programs contact Dr. Jennifer ThornBentlejewski, R.D., Extension Educator in Family &Consumer Sciences at Allegany County Extension Office, One CommerceDr., Cumberland, MD 21502 or Garrett County Extension Office, 1916Maryland Hwy, Suite A, Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550

~FreeProgramsOffered~

Food Safety

Keep Your Food Safe - Learn more about how to properly store,prepare, cook, and cool foods. The importance of proper time andtemperature will be described.

Food Safety for Volunteers Quantity Cooks - This is a foodsafety course for volunteer organizations such as churches, firecompanies, etc. The class covers food preparation, serving, andcooling to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Child Care Connections

Continuing education credits for child care providers. Approvedby the Child Care Administration

Food Safety for Childcare Providers - This training addressesappropriate preparation, serving, and leftovers to avoid foodborneillnesses. Special issues on food safety with infants, youngchildren, and the childcare environment will be addressed.

Infant and Child Nutrition - In this interactive workshop,participants learn how to plan, prepare, and serve snacks thatappeal to young children and also meet heart-healthyguidelines.

Managing Mealtime Stress - Mealtime does not have to be abattleground. This program explains the role of the child and therole of the parent/child-care provider at mealtime. It providessuggestions for the picky eater and the overweight child.

Additional Workshop Topics - Child Guidance and Discipline -Stress Management -Balancing Work and Family

EFNEP - (Only available in Allegany County)

EFNEP is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program ofthe U.S. Department of Agriculture and Maryland CooperativeExtension. It is designed to help limited income families acquireskills necessary to maintain nutritionally sound diets.

Participants are taught individually or in small groups bynutrition assistants. The families are visited once per month for12 months for nutrition education.

EFNEP will help participants:

- Choose healthful food for their families

- Plan & prepare quick meals

- Choose nutritious snacks for children

- Prepare new foods and recipes

- Use safe food handling techniques

- Compare prices and save on food bills

To learn more about EFNEP for yourself or to refer potentialparticipants, contact Kathy Kinsman or Eileen Morgan at301-724-3320.

FSNE

FSNE is the Food Stamp Nutrition Education program of the U.S.Department of Agriculture and Maryland Cooperative Extension. Itoffers fun and innovative nutrition education programs tolimited-income families. Available programs include:

* Health by Design - Learn about healthy eating, weightmaintenance, and physical activity through five nutrition lessons.The focus is on making healthier choices.

* WalkWays - Participate in this four-lesson program thatpromotes healthy eating and walking. You will use a pedometer torecord daily steps and track increases in physical activity.

* JumpSmart - Take part in this exciting program for young teensthat promotes healthy eating and physical activity through jumproping.

* Color Me Healthy - Encourages preschool-aged children todevelop healthy eating habits and increase physical activity. Thisprogram is implemented through preschool programs.

* The Power of Choice - Helps young teens understand how theirdecisions about eating and physical activity can affect theirhealth. This program is implemented through after-schoolprograms.

* Other Nutrition Programs - A variety of other nutritionprograms are available upon request.

To learn more about FSNE for yourself or to refer potentialparticipants, you may contact Jennifer Bentlejewski at 301-334-6960or 301-724-3320 or Abbi Kifer, FNSE Educator at 301-334-6960.

For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer T. Bentlejewski, R.D.

Last updated: 03/10/2009

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