"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - March Declared As National Nutrition Month

The month of March has been declared as National Nutrition Month in the Cherokee Nation by Principal Chief Chad Smith.

“Eating right does not have to be complicated, and part of our vision is to have healthy communities and help our people achieve an optimal level of health,” said Smith. “The Cherokee Nation is dedicated to working with our communities, families and individuals to help promote and improve their health.”

The National Nutrition Month program is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses on the importance of making good food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

Cherokee Nation Healthy Nation is a program in the tribe’s Health Services Group that offers many healthy choices programs, including tobacco cessation classes, healthy living classes, WINGS fitness and running club and the Male Seminary Complex Family Recreation Center in Tahlequah.

The program dieticians say there are needs for continuing education and the promotion for good eating practices, and they advise that overall health can greatly improve by following a few simple tips. Their suggestions...

Make a plan: Plan out balanced meals with appropriate portions.
Focus on your food: Adopt a few small changes, such as adding a piece of fruit to your diet.
Make calories count: Make meal choices that focus on nutrient rich foods.
Increase physical activity: Adults should be physically active for about an hour each day.
Play it safe: Always clean hands and food-contact surfaces, keep raw foods separate, cook to a proper temperature and chill leftovers promptly.
Be aware of specific needs: Check with a registered dietician to figure out your specific nutrition needs.