The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics invites us all to join them in celebrating National Nutrition Month. “During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.” This annual campaign features a different theme every year; this year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors” and highlights flavors from different cultures around the globe as a “tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate our diversity.” What we eat can impact us in so many ways–hence the expression, “You are what you eat!” Studies show that there is a definite relationship between what we eat and the functioning of our brains so as members of the Willamette and higher education communities, it makes sense for us all to be striving towards healthy eating. So help yourself to some leafy greens, grab an apple, and check out these nutrition-related titles listed on our WU Reads Reading Guide.
“Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health.” – Julia Child
Although February is now well known as Black History Month, it originally began as a week long celebration starting in 1926. In 1969, a month long tribute was initially proposed by black educators and students at Kent State University. When President Gerald Ford proclaimed Black History Month during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, recognition of it took hold across the country, particularly in educational institutions. Through the years, various themes have been chosen including recent themes such as “African Americans and the Vote,” The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” and this year’s theme, “Black Health and Wellness.” This month provides us all with the chance to reflect on African American history, heritage, and culture, as well as to acknowledge accomplishments, influences, tragedies, and triumphs.