The holidays have arrived, and people across the nation are likely ignoring their physical activity regimens to instead bake cookies, tossing their diets aside, and expanding their waistlines. This might seem like a natural effect of the season, but is it necessary?

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children since the mid nineteen seventies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Data from two NHANES [National Health and Nutrition Survey] surveys show that among adults aged 20–74 years the prevalence of obesity increased from 15 percent (in the 1976–1980 survey) to 32.9 percent (in the 2003–2004 survey).” This is more than a 100 percent increase and cause for attention. While grazing the holiday buffet this year will most likely not spell doom for your health, a pattern of such activity just might cause a spike in your weight.

As part of an overall commitment to community health and well-being, North Fulton Regional Hospital along with the American Dietetic Association is proud to recognize National Nutrition Month® this March. Nutrition 101: It’s a Matter of Fact is a program that will kick off the month-long campaign and provide participants with tips and tools to combat the pounds from the holidays. Presenters at the event, which will take place on Monday, March 3 from 5-7 p.m., will include registered dietitians, an exercise physiologist and medical weight loss experts who will speak about fast food eating, beverages, emotional instigators and portion sizes. There will also be simple demonstrations for simple ways to incorporate physical activity into even the busiest lifestyle. A mere two-hour commitment, this program just might provide the push necessary to initiate lifestyle makeovers.

Nutrition 101: It’s a Matter of Fact is just the start of a month-long campaign to promote nutrition and wellness. Throughout the month of March, North Fulton Regional Hospital will:

• Provide daily exercise and nutrition facts in the Azalea Café;
• Provide healthy meal options on special in the Azalea Café;
• Distribute a tip calendar offering guidance for each day of the month;
• Offer fact sheets with helpful information from the American Dietetic Association;
• And host a healthy recipe contest for hospital employees and volunteers where each Friday of the month, a different course is tasted and judged. Any visitor in the Café during the time of the contest is welcome to taste the treats provided and vote for their favorite.

North Fulton Regional Hospital (NFRH) is a 202 bed acute-care hospital located on Highway 9, Alpharetta Highway, in Roswell. Opened in 1983, NFRH serves North Fulton and surrounding counties through its team of over 1000 employees, 400 staff physicians and 200 volunteers. NFRH is a state-designated Level II trauma center and provides a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, orthopedics, rehabilitation, surgical services, bariatric surgical weight loss, gastroenterology and oncology. The hospital is fully accredited and also is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest
hospital accreditation agency.

For more information about Nutrition 101: It’s a Matter of Fact at North Fulton Regional Hospital, visit www.northfultonregional.com/nutrition101.