Campus, local community invited to participate in special nutrition consultation program

Campus, local community invited to participate in special nutrition consultation program January 15, 2009Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

The Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics in Syracuse University’s College of Human Ecology wants to help SU and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students, faculty and staff, and members of the community at large, improve eating habits and promote general well-being by making healthy food choices. Again this year, registered dietitians, working with seniors and graduate students in the nutrition science and dietetics program, will provide accurate, thorough and confidential dietary consultation. The program is led by Tanya Horacek, professor in the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics.

Consultation sessions are private and individualized, with flexible scheduling and locations. The series of four appointments (two in person and two via phone or e-mail) will address dietary issues, but is also lifestyle-oriented to ensure overall health. The cost for the program for SU/SUNY-ESF students is $25. SU/SUNY-ESF faculty, staff and their partners are $35. The fee for community members is $40. All participants are eligible for a $15 reimbursement of the program fee if they attend all consultation sessions and complete a brief survey about the program.

Interested individuals from SU and SUNY-ESF may sign up for the nutrition consultation program by visiting the Department of Recreation Services Web registration site at http://students.syr.edu/recreation/Programs/fitnessclasses/index.htm. Individuals from the community at large should call (315) 443-4386 to begin the registration process.

“Over the past 10 years, we have successfully helped hundreds of people meet their dietary goals through our friendly and effective nutrition consultation process,” says Horacek.

The first phase of the program includes completion of a medical and dietary survey, which will be e-mailed to participants upon registration for the program. The one-on-one appointments pair an individual with a nutrition consultant to formulate a reasonable and sustainable plan for improving dietary quality, which includes a detailed assessment of medical, dietary, weight, exercise and lifestyle factors. During this appointment, the nutrition consultant will provide detailed feedback regarding dietary quality and will help participants map out goals and a plan related to improved nutritional habits. Appointments will take place during March and April.

The program is meant strictly for disease prevention/health promotion and not medical nutrition therapy. If a participant is determined to have risks beyond the scope of this program, referrals will be made for a more appropriate service and the participation fee will be refunded.

Individuals with specific questions about the program should contact Horacek directly at thoracek@syr.edu.

About the College of Human Ecology at Syracuse University

The College of Human Ecology is dedicated to excellence in professional academic education and integrates Scholarship in Action as a philosophy and method in all of its degree programs. The college brings together a rich history of academic programs whose signatures of social responsibility and justice join new and evolving majors reflective of educating global citizens whose leadership can-and does-change the places and peoples where they live and work.

Previously known as the College of Human Services and Health Professions until it was renamed in 2007, the College of Human Ecology hosts seven departments with strong roots in SU history: Child and Family Studies; Health and Wellness; Hospitality Management; Marriage and Family Therapy; Nutrition Science and Dietetics; Sport Management; and the School of Social Work.