UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Those interested in health and wellness can benefit from a 25% discount on select Penn State Extension online courses during Health Literacy Month in October. These self-paced courses incorporate videos, readings, recipes, handouts and knowledge-check questions.
“Nutrition 101: Healthy Eating Guidelines and Meal Planning.” This course is designed for individuals seeking to improve their diet and health, as well as professionals in nutrition and health fields, including nursing assistants, teachers, coaches, health educators and personal trainers.
The curriculum provides research-based nutrition information and practical suggestions for making healthy food choices to improve and maintain health. Participants can learn about planning healthy meals, reading nutrition labels, food shopping, safe food preparation, navigating food allergies and intolerances, and promoting healthy food choices in their family, community or workplace. Participants can register with a discounted fee of $51.75, regularly $69. The course will take approximately six hours to complete.
“Totally Veggies.” Vegetables are crucial to health, supplying necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals, organizers noted. However, many people do not eat enough vegetables regularly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that adults eat between 17 and 21 cups of vegetables a week. In this course, registrants can learn about the health benefits of vegetables, recommended servings, shopping and storage tips, cooking techniques, strategies for family meals, and easy recipes. The eight-hour course is available for a registration fee of $29.25, reduced from $39.
“Mediterranean Cuisine Comes to You” was developed from research in Greece by extension educators and registered dietitians. It offers diet and lifestyle strategies that anyone can adopt. Participants can explore the Mediterranean culture and health benefits of the lifestyle. The course covers how to implement Mediterranean cooking with local foods and seasonings; strategies for making dietary and lifestyle changes; and easy and delicious Mediterranean recipes. The registration fee for this four-hour course is $44.25, regularly $59.
“Dining With Diabetes.” Managing Type 2 diabetes can be challenging. This course can help participants or caregivers of those with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes — or who are at risk of diabetes — to improve their health and disease management.
The curriculum will explore tests and medications for diabetes management. Participants can learn about exercise and dietary strategies such as carbohydrate counting, food label reading, meal planning, fat and sodium reduction, goal setting, and tips for selecting food while dining out. A $29.25 registration fee accompanies this course, which is usually priced at $39. The course will take about eight hours to complete.
More information about these courses is available on the Penn State Extension website.