COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY WELLNESS

West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital goes beyond hospital walls, bringing health and wellness into the community. Honoring their commitment to community health, experts with WCCH provide opportunities for learning healthy habits.

“We’re continuously expanding events and classes for the community in a variety of convenient locations,” explains Matthew Welsh, director of marketing and communications for WCCH. “By holding them outside of the hospital, we want to bring health and wellness directly to our community, in a format that empowers residents to live their best life.” Everyday decisions greatly impact one’s overall health. The foods we eat and how much we move our bodies affects heart health, mobility, bone health, sleep, hypertension, and how we feel about ourselves. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent diseases such as diabetes, stroke and heart attacks.

So, we know we need to implement a healthy lifestyle but how? Where to start? That’s where the community outreach programs of WCCH can make it easier to take the first step.

SMART SELECTIONS: A GUIDED GROCERY STORE TOUR

WCCH debuted a new community outreach program recently called Smart Selections: A Guided Grocery Store Tour. The first one was held at Rouse’s Market in Carlyss. Cynthia Chantlin, CDCES, registered dietitian with WCCH, took participants on a tour of the grocery store, pointing out areas where healthier foods are found such as the perimeter of store and produce sections, how to read nutrition labels, how to choose snacks that are convenient and healthy, and how to determine portion size.

“We had great feedback from our participants about challenges they feel when they’re grocery shopping,” says Chantlin. “We were able to answer their questions in a real-world setting, show examples, and help them develop a plan tailored to their needs.”

Watch for upcoming Smart Selection opportunities soon.

Healthy Meals Cooking Demonstration

Learning healthy cooking tips and techniques can take ordinary ingredients and turn it into a heart-healthy meal that’s delicious and nutritious. “Our cooking demonstrations are a popular event,” says Fran Landry, LDN, RD, director of nutrition services with WCCH, “because we’re preparing the recipes, going through the steps, and talking about techniques and tips. Participants can ask questions as we go through the recipes.”

Dietitians discuss meal planning and show quick and healthy recipes. Samples are provided, giving everyone a taste of the dishes prepared.

The next Healthy Meals Cooking Demonstration will be held July 18 at 11 a.m. in the WCCH Cafeteria Conference Room. For more information or to register, please call (337) 527-4261

Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers

One of the best ways to get in the habit of regular exercise is to have someone help you know how to do it. There are countless ways to work movement into our days, and it makes it easier to have a certified, trained exercise specialist to break it all down into manageable pieces. That’s one of the benefits of Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers; their trained staff will motivate, assist, and tailor workouts for individuals.

“Exercising on a consistent basis is one of the keys to healthy living,” says Suzy Trahan, LDN, RDN, director of Dynamic Dimensions Fitness Centers of WCCH. “A varied routine can help keep things fresh. We can create a workout that incorporates cardio, weight training, flexibility, and group exercises, depending on what each person enjoys. The best exercise routine is one that will be done consistently.”

With locations in Sulphur and Moss Bluff, DDF makes it convenient and fun to get moving. For more information, visit www.dynamicfitnesscenters.com.

These programs and many others underscore WCCH’s commitment to community health. From support groups to community activities, experts with WCCH make healthy living a priority.