Staying Healthy, Raising Healthy Kids, Eating Right - Living Well

Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) focuses on community outreach by encouraging today's busy families and individuals to make healthy choices. Research shows that many of our chronic diseases--obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some cancers--could be prevented through healthful eating and regular physical activity. Healthier families, individuals, and communities will allow people to enjoy life and stay active. FCHS combines research and practical advice to improve your health for a better tomorrow.

FCHS outreach focuses on:

• Food, Nutrition, Health & Wellness
• Food Safety and Food Allergies

Publications:

• Workplace Wellness: Power Foods at Meetings and Healthy Power Lunches
• Workplace Wellness: Healthy Eating While on the Job
• Workplace Wellness: Ways to Increase Your Physical Activity on the Job
• Energy Drinks: the Truth Behind the Boost
• Children with Food Allergies: A Guide for Youth Group Leaders

What's Happening in Somerset County FCHS?

• Sign up for email notification about new or up-coming programs. (We do not give this list out.)
• Speakers Available:
  FCHS staff will conduct presentations for community organizations, businesses and schools related to our focus areas above. Generally, we need to schedule speaking engagements several weeks in advance. Current hot topics: Family Meals, Functional Foods for Life Series (pick one - berries chocolate, coffee, mushrooms, tea, or vegetables and fruits), Helping Kids Eat Well, and School Wellness.
• Building Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the rising rate of obesity in children and families at the community level. Members include school nurses, teachers, community organizations and others.
• School Wellness - FCHS provides school staff training, parent education and youth programs focusing on healthy eating and physical activity to improve the health of students, families and school staff.
• Somerset County Visions Newsletter (602k PDF) with current news and events. Latest State Visions Newsletter with articles related to healthful living. Sign up to be on the mailing list. (We do not give others your name or information.)
• Local FCHS Volunteer Opportunities: Could you give us a few hours? The rewards are learning, friendships, satisfaction, and fun. Call 908-526-6295 or email minch@njaes.rutgers.edu to volunteer.

What's Happening on the State Level in FCHS?

The State Family and Community Health Sciences web site has in-depth information and resources for individuals, families and professionals. Features:

• Food & Activity Ideas, including recipes
• Food safety updates and tips
• Lists of available workshops and educational displays
• Publications

Key Initiative

Get Moving - Get Healthy New Jersey - encourages a healthy lifestyle, especially healthy eating and physical activity, through educational programs, a website, publications and targeted marketing campaigns.

Contact us:

Telephone: 908-526-6295

Email: arago@co.somerset.nj.us