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One of the events that will be sponsored by “Striving for a Healthy L-A Community” is a snowshoe outing on the trail pictured above near USM’s Lewiston-Auburn campus |
February 2008
A panel of nutrition and exercise experts entitled “Striving for a Healthy L-A Community” will be discussing how to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11th, at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston Auburn College, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston, in Room 170. The event is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.
The purpose of the panel discussion is to launch an initiative that provides practical tools so that people can achieve the healthy goals that may have previously seemed unattainable. One of the biggest obstacles faced in maintaining good health is weight management. Some of the barriers that individuals face when implementing a program that addresses these issues include: lack of knowledge, a simple and easily implemented program, and time to execute that plan. The panel discussion addresses all of these issues by providing real knowledge about how the human body works and easily assimilated information about diet and exercise.
A brief presentation will be given by each panel member, and then the floor will be open to questions from the audience. Presenters from USM’s Natural and Applied Science faculty include David Harris, Ph.D. and Rachel Simons, Ph.D.. Dr. Harris will discuss the relationship between diet, exercise, and disease. Diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases will be some of the conditions addressed. Dr. Rachel Simon, who teaches the Biology of Human Health, will be speaking about the evolutionary roots of a healthy diet and why some foods are better than others for our bodies.
In addition, Jennifer Williams, R.D. from Sisters of Charity will be explaining how digestion works and how to make healthy food choices. Lisa Fontaine, a certified personal trainer/aerobics instructor, and the owner of The Health Club and Spa in Lewiston, will discuss the benefits of activity and incorporating exercise into a busy lifestyle.
Healthy Androscoggin is a sponsor of the event. Marion Browning, Worksite Wellness Coordinator for Healthy Androscoggin will provide information about how to incorporate S.M.A.R.T. goals to achieve your desired health outcomes. According to Ms. Browning, “Once you set a S.M.A.R.T. goal it is possible to eat healthy even on a limited budget.”
The panel is being organized by graduate students from the Master of Occupational Therapy Program at USM LAC. Occupational therapy is based on the theories that people who engage in meaningful activity are healthier and happier. Other panelists will include representatives from Lots to Gardens and Habitat for Humanity who will talk about projects that community members can participate in that are beneficial both to the community as well as to the individual.
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