New YMCA classes to focus on nutrition

Nutrition experts to teach about healthy eating

With busy work schedules and money being tight, it can be difficult to focus on health. That's why organizers with the YMCA of Callaway County have decided to offer a new series of classes focused on nutrition that will start in February.

Patty Miller, YMCA executive director, said it is cheaper and easier to buy unhealthy foods, especially when people are balancing hectic schedules.

"We don't have time to plan, or we don't make time to plan, and we rush through the grocery store," Miller said. "There's very simple rules that if you follow, you'll be preparing healthier food for your family."

Miller explained that the new nutritional lectures - taught by certified dietitians or nutritionists from the community - will offer inexpensive yet healthy cooking ideas, recipes and information for people. She said sometimes eating healthy is as simple as how and what to cook, so the idea of the classes is to pass on that information.

As an example, Miller said, "People don't understand there's a big difference between a sweet potato and white potato in terms of nutrition value."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.