Nutrition

The Fishers Health Department addresses the nutritional needs of our community through education about healthy eating habits and movements. We use evidence-based curriculums on healthy eating education to groups and individuals from corporate wellness sites, schools, residential communities, faith-based organizations, food pantries, public library sites, daycare settings, and more.

Email the health educator to schedule a program.

Curricula

MyPlate for My Family

MyPlate for My Family: SNAP Nutrition Education is for guardians and caregivers of children ages 18 and under to learn more about healthy food and physical activity choices. Attend fun, interactive classes where you can meet other parents who are making healthy changes in their lives. Learn tips to:

• Fix MyPlate family meals to stretch your food dollar
• Get the right amount of food and physical activity
• Serve fruits and vegetables that kids will enjoy
• Make family time active and fun

MyPlate for My Family is a four-day session that supports nutrition education and obesity prevention efforts and is based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It is targeted to parents and caregivers who play a key role in planning, purchasing, and preparing food for their families. During a MyPlate for My Family class, you will receive handouts and recipes to help you make small changes.

Eat Smart, Live Strong

Eat Smart, Live Strong is designed to improve fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity among able-bodied individuals ages 60-74 participating in or eligible for Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs. The intervention is designed to help nutrition educators working with FNS programs and in communities deliver science-based nutrition education to the growing number of low-income older adults.

This four-session free curriculum includes:

• allows participants to review the amount of fruits and vegetables appropriate for their age, activity level, and gender.
• offers numerous suggestions to help older adults adapt their eating and physical activity behaviors to reach their goals.
• provides hands-on experiences in updating classic recipes by adding fruits and vegetables.
• increases awareness about the variety of nutrition assistance programs available to low-income older adults.

PowerUp! for Teens

Power Up! is a free, 12-week course designed to give high school students in 9th – 12th grades the information, tools, and motivation needed to make healthier choices. Power Up! builds in social interaction, hands-on activities, friendly competition and opportunities for them to use their computer savvy. Activities are designed around teams—which can be carried out either within a class or between classes. This connection to game theory is intended to engage teens through competition, incremental successes, and rewards.

This course requires a minimum of 5 people. The FHD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule these courses.

Stats on Nutrition-Based Health Outcomes

Diet is often linked to several chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and some cancers. In 2018, the Indiana General Assembly recognized an opportunity to collaborate on a statewide initiative to increase awareness and treatment for diabetes and prediabetes.

According to the United Health Foundation’s 2021 America’s Health Rankings, Indiana’s rank in the United States (rankings are from lowest to the highest prevalence):

• 34th for the prevalence of diabetes
• 46th for the prevalence of obesity
• 30th for high cholesterol
• 36th for high blood pressure
• 36th for cardiovascular disease
• 41st for physical inactivity
• 8th for fruit and vegetable consumption

Healthy People 2020 Goals

• Goal: Reduce the burden of diabetes and improve the quality of life for all people who have, or are at risk for, diabetes.
• Goal: Improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke.
• Goal: Reduce overweight and obesity by helping people eat healthily and get physical activity
• Goal: Improve health by promoting healthy eating and making nutritious foods available.
• Goal: Improve health, fitness, and quality of life through regular physical activity.