By Scout Nelson
As the new year unfolds, many seek to improve their health through better nutrition and physical activity. Addressing this need, North Dakota State University Extension has launched Nourish, a free educational program designed to empower North Dakotan adults, especially those aged 50 and above, with essential health knowledge.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, nourish aims to reduce the risk of chronic diseases through informed lifestyle choices. The program is particularly focused on residents of rural counties.
Nourish offers a series of seven classes, held weekly or biweekly, to educate participants on various health topics. These include maintaining healthy eyes, heart, brain, digestive system, skin, bones, and joints, along with strategies to enhance sleep quality.
Classes incorporate engaging hands-on activities and discussions, and participants also have access to valuable take-home materials like healthy recipes.
For those unable to attend in person, nourish provides self-paced online modules starting January 8. Completion of at least six out of seven classes or modules earns participants prizes and certificates, adding an element of reward to the learning experience.
Julie Garden-Robinson, an Extension food and nutrition specialist, shared positive feedback from the first group of online participants, who expressed intentions to apply their new knowledge in daily life.
Information about class schedules and registration is available on the Nourish website (www.ag.ndsu.edu/nourish). For those seeking further insights or unable to attend classes, enrolling in both online and in-person formats is an option.
Nourish also extends its educational outreach through a free monthly newsletter, accessible through www.ag.ndsu.edu/food, and interactive Facebook pages maintained by participating county Extension offices.
Sherri Stastny, project co-director and professor at NDSU's Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, emphasizes the importance of good health for enjoying life and maintaining independence, particularly in later years. Nourish stands as a testament to NDSU Extension’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for adults in North Dakota.
Photo Credit - north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education, General