The Johnson County SNAP-Ed Senior Assistant recently conducted a series of 7 lessons with a local Homemakers group. During the first lesson they were asked to talk about any nutritional concerns they might have. They all have issues with chronic diseases that arise over time due to a poor diet. They voiced their concerns about the growing health related conditions as we grow older. Over 50% of the group suffered from at least one chronic health condition that have led them to seek medical help, and of this number 25%, have developed 2 or more chronic diseases that have to be controlled with medication. Out of these homemakers, only a few of them had a regular exercise routine.

    Over the course of the lessons they learned to set goals, limit foods, plan meals, read and understand nutrition labels as well as topics on calories concerns. We sought out recipes that focused on lowering saturated fats, reducing sodium and sugar intake.

     After the 7 weeks were completed half of the group were now walking at least 4 days a week and all were reducing their saturated fats and sodium intake. They all looked forward to and collect the new and healthy recipes we used form the lesson curriculum. Two ladies said that they had lost weight and were gaining more energy day by day.  All were planning more outdoor activities in the community for the upcoming year.