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July 23 , 2005
Obesity epidemic prompts grant award to Methodist Hospitals and IUN
A $15,000 grant from the Lake Area United Way will enable Methodist Hospital to partner with Indiana University Northwest’s School of Medicine and School of Nursing, to educate local residents about nutrition.
Approximately 300,000 people across the country each year die because of preventable weight-related problems. In Northwest Indiana, it is estimated that two thirds of the residents are overweight. The hospital’s free public lectures held in conjunction with IUN, are aimed at providing medical health information to area residents to reduce that number.
“We want to increase nutritional knowledge,” said Ruth Argenta, manager of Methodist Hospital’s medical nutrition department. “Because IUN doesn’t not have a nutritional component, they have invited us to join them.”
The sessions will be part of IUN’s mini-medical school held each year. Methodist Hospitals will give two presentations, the first in October and one in the spring. Healthy snacks will be offered, and Argenta plans for the hospitals Executive Chef Ray Flores to give a demonstration.
“With a demonstration, you can show the amount and type of oil used, how vegetables should be beefed up and protein reduced,” Argenta said. “There will also be a calorie comparison with the healthy snacks that will be served instead of the usual cookies and pop.”
During the two hour session, nutritionist Kathryn Lipari will focus on a healthy eating plan. “This is exciting to have such a wonderful opportunity to partner with IUN and address a growing health concern in our community,” Argenta said.
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