By Alexandria Poisel, Dietetic Intern at Sheridan Memorial Hospital
What is National Nutrition Month? Every March, this annual campaign invites people to learn more about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “FUEL FOR THE FUTURE.” The intention is to eat with sustainability in mind. What does that look like at Sheridan Memorial Hospital?
For us, it means buying local. The Sidewalk Cafe serves Manchester Street Coffee, roasted right here in Sheridan, Wyoming. What can you do at the hospital? Opt for a glass plate and metal silverware instead of Styrofoam to-go boxes if you eat in the cafeteria. Be aware of how much food you take, take what you will eat, and ask for a smaller portion if you need to. This can help cut down on food waste.
How can you “Fuel for the Future” at home? You can buy local! This is a great way to get high-quality products that are within the season, and it also supports the local economy, fueling the future of our town. Unsure where to start? Check out Landon’s Saturday Farmer’s Market for many local food vendors.
“Fuel for the Future” isn’t just about how we can take care of the Earth and our town, but also how we take care of ourselves for the future. Nutrition is a major component of a long and healthy life. It’s important to eat meals that have variety. Taste the rainbow! The colors of our foods are often associated with the different vitamins we need. The most colorful foods? Fruits and Vegetables. You should eat 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. Not everything has to be fresh; we know it is hard here! Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are part of a healthful diet.
Pair your healthy eating habits with intentional activity. 150 minutes of exercise a week is recommended for adults. If you don’t enjoy the gym, don’t worry. There are many more options for you! Go for a walk with a friend, swim with your kids, try YouTube at-home yoga, or throw a dance party! Extra movement is good for strengthening bones, building muscle, and keeping your heart healthy.
How will you “Fuel for the Future?”
If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dietitians, please call 307.675.2640.
Note: Sheridan Memorial Hospital is committed to supporting the professional development of students and young professionals in our community. Experience in the form of an internship can be a fantastic way to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, to expand on that knowledge, and to gain real-life experience in the healthcare industry. SMH is proud to provide this opportunity, helping educate more people in our community about each facet of the patient experience, and partnering with organizations to provide this experience in countless hospital departments.