Health Department Programs Help Georgians Eat Healthier

Published 8:43 am Friday, March 15, 2024

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Staff Reports

Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or have
heart health concerns? Are you looking to lose weight to become healthier? Do you want to help
control these issues by changing how you eat? Help is available through the West Central Health
District Nutrition and Lifestyle Change Services!
Our registered dietitians can help you enroll in one of our programs or create a nutrition and lifestyle
change plan that will work for you. “Nutrition is so important to your overall health,” said LaTrice
Johnson, Nutrition Services Director for the West Central Health District. “It’s never too late to start
eating healthy.”
March is National Nutrition Month, but these programs that provide education for nutritional support for a healthy lifestyle are offered all year.

  • FREE Diabetes Prevention Program – Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Have you been
    diagnosed with pre-diabetes? This class is for you. Each of our classes is led by a certified
    Lifestyle Coach on our staff.  The program spans a one-year period, which allows enough time
    and support to make sure the changes made are kept.
  •  FREE SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education – This class will teach you ways to save money but still
    make healthy choices at the grocery store. It also focuses on physical activity. The class runs
    for eight weeks and includes a wellness gift for each week.
  •  FREE Initial Nutrition Consultation – A registered dietitian will talk to you about your individual
    goals and needs, and how to adjust your eating habits. No referral from a physician is needed.
  •  WIC – The Women, Infants and Children program provides nutrition education, healthy food
    and other service free of charge to families who qualify. These healthy habits for children can
    help support a lifetime of healthy choices.

Lifestyle changes include more than just healthy eating. Exercise, cutting out alcohol, and quitting
tobacco use and vaping are also important ways to be healthier. For more information on these and
other programs, visit www.westcentralhealthdistrict.com, or contact the Call Center during business
hours at 833-337-1749.