The Settler

Issue date: 2/18/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Kristen Salter Licensed dietician and certified diabetes educator Carrie Hohe spoke about heart health at Wednesday's Lunch and Learn seminar.

The first presentation in the Lunch and Learn series took place on Wednesday in the Rochelle Center.

Lunch and Learn is a program for Volunteer State Community College students, faculty and staff to learn about habits that promote a better lifestyle and overall health.

Carrie Hohe was the guest speaker at Wednesday's event. Hohe, a licensed dietician and certified diabetes educator, spoke about heart health.

"The heart is the most important organ in the body," said Hohe. "The number one killer of Americans is heart disease."

For a healthy heart, individuals should consume more fiber, increase unsaturated fats, decrease saturated fats, choose items with less sodium, and increase exercise, said Hohe.

According to the handout given to Lunch and Learn attendees, unsaturated fats include olive oil, Canola oil, peanut oil, nuts, seeds, and most plant based fats.

Saturated fats include butter, cream, coconut oil, bacon and animal based fats, the handout states.

Also according to the handout, when reading food labels, consumers should pay attention to serving size, calories, fats, sodium, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Hohe said that after abiding by the guidelines for a healthy heart, she has lost weight, has had more energy and is now able to keep up with her two-year-old child.

"Being healthy takes a little work but is worth my time and attention," said Karen Waller of what she learned during Wednesday's program.

"Pay more attention to labels, the fat and sugar content," Dorothy Moss said of what she learned.

Vol State Nurse and Lunch and Learn coordinator Kyla Webb said that she plans to host the Lunch and Learn series every other month.

The next Lunch and Learn program will most likely take place in April, said Webb.

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