New student group seeks to encourage healthy eating habits through guidance and education

New student group seeks to encourage healthy eating habits through guidance and educationOctober 25, 2005Carol K. Masiclatclkim@syr.edu

The College of Human Services and Health Professions (HSHP) at Syracuse University has formed a new student group dedicated to providing nutrition education services to SU students, faculty and staff. ORANGE WRAP (Out Reach And Nutrition Group Education by Wellness Responsibility Advocating Peers) is made up of students in the department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management who seek to support a healthier campus community. With training and supervision from a registered dietitian, ORANGE WRAP provides individuals and groups with programs and services on healthy eating, weight management, body image acceptance and eating disorders prevention.

“Coming from a student’s perspective, ORANGE WRAP is a very valuable resource. For many, college is the first time students are on their own, so developing healthy nutrition habits are key,” says Kara Hudon, a student member of ORANGE WRAP. “We plan to educate everyone on campus on how to make healthy changes for life.”

The group will reach out to the student population by distributing nutrition information through various avenues on campus: classes, group presentations and dining hall or Schine Student Center events.

ORANGE WRAP will offer students a variety of nutrition programs, including:

• Eating Personality: Get informed on the factors, attitudes and influences that affect your eating habits.
• Never Diet Again: Discover the non-diet approach to weight loss and weight maintenance.
• Big Fat Lies: Explore and challenge media depictions of body image and learn body acceptance.
• University Students Unplugged: Learn about eating disorders, including detection, prevention and recovery.

ORANGE WRAP will also provide individual nutrition counseling. Students provide four-session, one-on-one nutrition counseling for SU students, faculty and staff. Using the lifestyles approach, the students provide a collaborative, personalized nutrition plan for each individual. Cost is $25 for students and $35 for faculty and staff. Registration is online through SU Recreation Servicesat http://cwis03.syr.edu/recservices/auth.

In addition, ORANGE WRAP is providing a wellness kit for student leaders at SU who wish to provide nutrition education programs for members of their group or organization. The kit was created by nutrition graduate students in consultation with Julia Salomon, SU nutritionist; and Tanya Horacek, associate professor of nutrition and hospitality management in SU’s College of Human Services and Health Professions and ORANGE WRAP coordinator. The kit is available from the department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management at 443-4550, or SU Food Services at 443-9884.

For more information, contact Horacek at 443-4550.To schedule a group presentation, call 443-4550 or e-mailHudon at klhudon@syr.edu.