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
- 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:
03/22/2006