Nutrition Education: Equipping Your Toolbox Spring 2013 Crista Hawkins, RD, LD

Who is Oregon Dairy Council? Philosophy  Science-based groundwork  Practical skills that translate research to action  Creative strategies motivating behavior change Target Audiences  Health Professionals  Educators Since 1918, Oregon Dairy Council has been encouraging healthy food choices for life! We are a staff of nutrition professionals who are registered dietitians and nutrition educators. Oregon Dairy Council is part of the Oregon Dairy Products Commission, one of 20+ Oregon Commodity Commissions charged with education, research and promotion. We are proudly funded by Oregon dairy farm families.

Why Nutrition Education? Dietary patterns are suboptimal Food environment is complex Information environment is complex Consumer interest is growing, but people are confused

Nutrition Education Imparts information Promotes healthful behaviors Creates environmental change Individuals make informed decisions about food, habits and health

Keys to Nutrition Education Science-based Develop good habits early Role Modeling Positive Environment Hands on Experience FUN

It’s All About Behavior Successful programs:  Set behavioral change as goal  Employ educational strategies to achieve that goal  Are motivational, messages have positive spin  Evidence-based  Fun and creative  Include food  Hands-on Outcomes:  Small steps  Positive results in some components, not all Contento, 2007

Why Target Educators? Reach educators, teach kids Address obesity crisis among kids Start healthy behaviors early Serve as role models Promote school wellness A Case for Health Educators Lack of time Lack of money State standards for health education Engage students Health ties to academic performance

The Learning Connection Effects of poor nutrition:  Compromised cognitive development  Difficulty concentrating  Lower standardized test scores  Irritability and behavior problems  More illness, more absence Bottom line:  When children’s basic nutritional and fitness needs are met, higher achievement levels result Visit to read executive summarywww.genyouthfoundation.org

Nutrition Expeditions (Grades 2 & 4) Story-based lessons  10 lessons for Little D’s  8 lessons for Arianna’s Four interactive games on CD Nutrition backgrounder Home connections Movement breaks Lesson modifications

Start Smart Eating and Reading For K-2 nd grade Nutrition, breakfast, reading program Available for free download at ODC website Format  5 lesson plan curriculum  Children’s stories  Worksheets  Songs  Food activities  Parent newsletters  Also available in Spanish

Exercise Your Options (Grades 6-8) 8 lesson curriculum for grades 6-8 Teaching kit includes:  Instructor guide  Student workbooks (find one in your packet)  Video vignettes for each lesson Lesson objectives mapped to National Health Education Standards  Beaverton School District  Centennial School District

Live It! Real Life Nutrition for Teens (9-12) Interactive Lessons Discusses nutrient- density – how to get the most nutrition out of calories Incorporates concepts from MyPlate & 2010 Dietary Guidelines

For Your Program… What is Normal? Poster Food Models Toss n’Tell Ball

More For Your Program…

WEBSITE: Free downloads Free materials for Fuel Up to Play 60 schools Materials for coaches & athletes Other dairy focused, lactose intolerance materials available

For Your School… Free school wellness program (K-12) Focus on healthy eating, physical activity, leadership Schools develop their own wellness plans & apply for grants to fund proposed ideas ($4,000) Learn more at Contact Cara Seger,

Produced twice yearly  Fall and spring Current and past issues at under “Free Downloads” School Wellness Newsletter For Teachers, Parents, Students, etc…

Questions?

Thank You! Crista Hawkins, RD, LD