Clarke County Hospital has been helping with the Fern Underwood Free Swim on Monday nights. The staff has handed out healthy snacks and offered healthy eating tips and education to everyone who chooses to stop by our table.
Health education has included a handout of the MyPlate food recommendations for adults, including serving portions and minimum daily recommendations. Models of serving portions of various fruits, veggies, grains, protein and dairy are shown to demonstrate a healthy serving size. Other food models have also been shown to draw awareness to fat content in popular food choices like a cheeseburger, French fry and Milky Way bar (common snacks enjoyed after a swim). Participants are able to see how much fat they are avoiding by choosing to go with a healthy snack. We’ve also discussed the importance of having dairy in your diet with women over 40 to help prevent osteoporosis and for children to help them build stronger bones.
Over the last 3 weeks, CCH has reached a total of 359 people. We’ve impacted mostly residents of Clarke County, but have had several from Decatur County.
Any leftover snacks have been donated to local food pantries. If you would like more information about this health promotions opportunity, please contact Zach Woods at Clarke County Hospital, 641-342-5293.
