Family Consumer Sciences

Somerset County Family and Consumers Sciences offers a wide range of educational opportunities. A few of the programs, most in demand within the County are nutrition, finance and day care, though other programs are offered. Programs which are being offered to the Somerset County residents and organizations are described in this article.

NUTRITION

Nutrition for the Elderly: Lessons are offered and presented to senior citizens emphasizing the nutritional needs and changes to their bodies and nutrient requirements related to the aging process.
Seafood Nutrition: Nutrition demonstrations are prepared and presented using and promoting Maryland seafood. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and nutritional value of seafood. Selected demonstrations incompass four 15-minute sessions on the benefits of seafood as a diet staple. This program is offered to groups in cooperation with Somerset County agencies and organizations.
Nutrition After-School Snacks: This program demonstrates the preparation of healthy snacks, reducing sugar, fat and increasing fiber. Young people learn how to prepare healthy snacks based on the Food Guide Pyramid.
Heart, Health, Diet and Nutrition: Classes target minority health issues which has been an ongoing concern in Somerset County. The focus of the program is lifestyle and diet changes as a preventative measure to chronic heart disease control, by lowering fat consumption and increasing dietary fiber intake.
Somerset, Get Fit!: This program was created for heart patients as a cooperative effort between the McCready Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Maryland Cooperative Extension in Somerset County and was designed to monitor and educate heart patients with various levels of risk factors. Classes include "Dine Out - Don't Pig Out" and "Stir-Fry Anything".
Dining With Diabetes For groups of 5 or more interested persons. You do not have to be diabetic. Diabetic cooking helps the entire family, not just the person with diabetes.

Class One - Desserts: You will learn (1)how to use the Nutrition Facts Label in diabetic meal planning, (2)how to choose fats and oils, (3)about fats and sweetness of artificial sweeteners, (4)how to make a carrot cake, and (5)to understand how carbohydrates affect the diabetic. You will sample Apple-Berry Crisp and receive other diabetic dessert recipes.
Class Two - Main Dishes: You will learn (1) how to use the diabetic Food Guide Pyramid, (2) how portion size affects your eating, (3)how to make spicy grilled chicken, (4)how to poach frozen fish fillets in the oven, and (5)more on fats, oils and artificial sweeteners. Problems in meal planning for the diabetic and the family will be discussed.
Class Three - Side Dishes: You will learn (1)how to use the Idaho Plate Method as a diabetic management tool, (2)how to make double corn bread with a twist on health, (3)how to make tasty spinach salad. Also learn about the "Free Foods". What are they and how do they fit into the diabetic diet?

FOOD SAFETY

Food Safety for the Elderly: Food Safety classes are developed and taught for senior citizens who attend congregate meal sites. Classes are geared to medical problems in the elderly caused by food-borne illness.

Community Food Program: Programs are taught using the Maryland Cooperative Extension sponsored Community Food Safety program and kit. Participants are from community groups that prepare and serve food. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point(HACCP)plan is emphasized in planning meals.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Juggling Multiple Roles: This program is a variation on professional and personal time management and is taught as a multi-media interactive program. Those who attend learn principles in goal setting, goal evaluation, setting priorities, delegating tasks and developing a support network.

CAREGIVER/PARENTING

Me, Myself and I - The Me I Can Be: This two-class program is for those who care for young children. Emphasis is given to several techniques caregivers can use to effect change in a child with low self-esteem.
Mommy! Why Is My Hair Nappy?: Day care providers learn how to teach tolerance in young children and how to recognize and handle their own prejudices. Providers learn the importance of including diversity in day care homes and centers.

BUDGET AND HOME MANAGEMENT
Classes teach basic family budgeting skills and how to live on a fixed income. Home management programs teach skills needed to successfully manage your home.

For program information or to schedule a program call 410-651-1350 or contact the FCS Educator, Ingrid H. Holmes, iholmes@umd.edu

Preserving Food Food Safety-"Fightbac"
Maryland Family and Consumer Sciences
Expanded Food Nutrition Education Program

For more information, contact Carole Bevan

Last updated: 03/13/2009