(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DIETARY PLAN … Dietician Tara Spisak from Parkview-Bryan & Montpelier Hospitals, left, was guest speaker for the Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary Jan. 13th meeting. She was presented an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary by President Linda Dilworth, right. The next auxiliary meeting will be Monday, Feb. 10th at 1:00 p.m. in the Montpelier Hospital conference room with Valentine card shower for patients and staff and members participating in a Bakeless bake sale.
PRESS RELEASE – Tara Spisak, Dietician for Parkview-Bryan & Montpelier Hospitals, served as guest speaker for Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary’s general meeting Monday, Jan. 13th in the Montpelier Hospital conference room. Auxiliary President Linda Dilworth opened the meeting at 1:00 p.m. and led the auxiliary prayer.
Attending as guests were Williams County Health Dept. Commissioner Oscar Hernandez and Nathan Hoffer, Director of Nursing at the health dept.
Also present was Sara Dye, who serves as lead for Community Health Improvement and Volunteer Coordinator, for Parkview-Bryan & Montpelier Hospitals.
Linda then introduced the guest speaker for her presentation. Dietician Tara Spisak, with 25 years of experience at both hospitals, gave recommendations for cancer prevention, eating right and 20 ways to enjoy more fruits and vegetables.
Highlights of the American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations for cancer prevention include a blueprint to beat cancer: maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, implement limits on red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, “fast foods” and those high in fat, starches and/or sugars, lower alcohol consumption. Mothers with infants—breastfeed if possible. After a cancer diagnosis, follow recommendations and do not use supplements for cancer prevention.
Current guidelines for diet include “MyPlate” showing a meal plate divided into half for fruits and vegetables, just under a quarter plate for protein (3-4 oz.) and the remainder of the plate for grains, accompanied by a serving for dairy.
Fruits—choose whole, cut or pureed from fresh, frozen, dried or canned in 100% juice. Vegetables—vary the kinds of veggies prepared steemed, sauteed, roasted or raw. Add fresh, frozen or canned to salads, sides and main dishes.
Grains—choose whole grains—try oatmeal, popcorn, teff, quinoa, millet, bulgur, brown rice or breads, crackers & noodles made with whole-grain flours. Limit grain desserts and snacks including cakes, cookies and pastries.
Protein—vary choices to include seafood, beans, peas & lentils, unsalted nuts & seeds, soy products, eggs, lean meats & poultry and cottage cheese. Fish or seafood is recommended twice a week.
Dairy—cut back on saturated fat using fat-free milk, yogurt or soymilk and replace cream, sour cream, and regular cheese with low-fat varieties.
Also recommended are cooking with canola, olive and peanut oils and drinking water instead of sugary drinks.
One of the flyers listed tips to enjoy more fruits & veggies such as toppings for pizza or in omelets, using tortillas and wraps instead of bread, offer crunchy veggies or fresh fruit instead of chips for snacks, and add fruit & veggies to kabobs on the grill. Moderation in a person’s diet is key.
More information is available by contacting Dietician Tara Spisak at Parkview-Bryan Hospital. She was presented an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary by President Dilworth.
Following the program, the business portion of the meeting was conducted by President Linda. The thought for the day was “Eat healthily, sleep well, breathe deeply, move harmoniously” by Jean-Pierre Barral. Roll call was answered to “After the holiday sweets, how do you change your diet?”.
Secretary Connie Dunseth read minutes from the December luncheon meeting. Treasurer Joyce Schelling gave her report as of Dec. 31st. She also reported on correspondence.
The auxiliary gave a Christmas basket of appreciation for services to Karen Kilian & staff at Miller’s Accounting. Jr. Past President Armeda Sawmiller delivered January patient favors.
Discussion followed on the silent auction for April, source for ordering “pink ladies” smocks, and possibility of an auxiliary entry for the Montpelier “Bean Days” parade in July. These will be considered by the executive board in February.
The next regular auxiliary meeting is Monday, Feb. 10th at 1:00 p.m. in the large conference room at Parkview-Montpelier Hospital. Members are asked to bring Valentine cards for patients & staff.
Also scheduled is a Bakeless bake sale with members bringing a recipe and a donation for the ingredients. Roll call will be “What recipe did you turn in?”.
The guest speaker will be Williams County Health Dept. Commissioner Oscar Hernandez. Members are encouraged to bring guests.