Employees in the program have various types of health concerns and fitness levels, from the need to maintain strength in older employees to the desire of students to regulate their diets. The nutrition program developed after Alvarado, a former student leader for the Health Awareness Stretch and Stroll Program, found participants in the lunchtime exercise program had lots of questions. She says the program gives people an opportunity to talk about nutrition. Even though people wanted to talk in general about nutrition, Alvarado has found that some are reluctant to share information about their eating habits. Her strategy is to make the participant feel comfortable because, she says, it isn't her role to criticize.
Participants are guaranteed confidentiality.
Their files are maintained for six months after the original analysis, allowing people to follow up on their progress and see if they need to make further changes in their diet. Alvarado says that to make significant change in nutrition, it is important to recognize patterns of eating. After participating in the program, Montague recommends it. The presentation is part of the Must-See Noon Series on Healthy Eating in the New Millennium. Crystal Cobb is Dateline's student intern.