Nutrition education from a shopping mall storefront

Abstract

The Bethesda HealthSource (BHS) is an affiliate of Bethesda Hospital which provides an innovative approach in the delivery of community health education, nutrition education and marketing. To gain visibility and accessibility, the facility was situated in the Zanesville shopping mall. The BHS staff consists of a Director (BS, RN), Community Health Education Coordinator (RN), Community Health Services Coordinator (BSN), Community Dietitian (MS, RD, LD), Exercise Physiologist (MS) and two part-time Community Education Assistants. Classes and lectures are conducted at the facility and for area organizations as requested through the Speaker's Bureau. Nutrition information is frequently requested through the Speaker's Bureau and program evaluations. Nutrition in diabetes and heart disease, vegetarian and low fat diets and food labels are some of the most popular topics presented by the Community Dietitian. The BHS houses a demonstration kitchen where cooking classes are held. The most popular classes include “Low Fat Holiday Cooking”, “Cooking for Men Only”, “Kids in the Kitchen”, “Cooking for Diabetics” and “Vegetarian Cooking”. The Community Dietitian also collaborates with the Exercise Physiologist in an on-going weight management program. This program emphasizes moderate lifestyle changes in eating and exercise patterns for lifetime weight control. In 1993, the BHS provided 37 health information seminars, 21 cooking/nutrition programs, 12 health fairs and coordinated 112 speaker requests. A total of 2,382 blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar screenings were given on site and 2,205 people attended health and nutrition programs. Individuals utilizing the BHS are predominately white, middle to upper income females between the ages of 55–75. The BHS is original and progressive for the rural communities it serves. Bethesda Hospital is financially and philosophically committed to delivery of quality health and wellness programs. This commitment of Bethesda Hospital together with the dedication and creativity of staff make community health and nutrition education a thriving success in our area.