Las Vegas Urban League WIC: A Valuable Resource During March National Nutrition Month

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March as National Nutrition Month, and there is no better source for educating young parents on the benefits of healthy eating habits than the Las Vegas Urban League WIC Program.

The Academy’s message for 2021 is “Personalize Your Plate” by making half your plate fruits and vegetables. Breakfast should include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Healthy snacks of fruits and vegetables with low-fat cheese or hummus or an apple or banana are recommended at midday. Drink plenty of water instead of soft drinks, and preparing foods at home for dinner is more healthy and cost effective, as opposed to consuming fast foods. When ordering takeout, opting for grilled, baked or boiled and steamed foods are more nutritious.

The Urban League’s Nutrition Education Team is proud to provide ongoing nutritional education for parents. Registered dietitians are available to develop individual nutritional-care plans for families that include group counseling development and curriculums such as “Participant Centered Services,” ensuring families adhere to the best eating habits.

“We are very passionate about health, wellness and hospitality,” Lawanda Torres, Clinic Coordinator Flamingo West Campus said. “Nutrition and physical activity are an equally important part of a well-rounded healthy and balanced lifestyle. Nutrition is vital for a good quality of life.”

WIC Nutrition Education Counselors are available to advise and help pregnant women enroll in WIC programs on nutritional supplemental foods and also offer referrals to other nutrition programs in the community, such as food banks and immunization advice, medical and dental services.

WIC also educates new parents on the benefits of breastfeeding. Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer colds and ear infections. The nutrients in breast milk help build a baby’s brain and immune system. Breast milk is always the right temperature. Breastfeeding also builds a closer bond between parents and their babies.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects 1 in 5 children in the United States,” Torres said. “Our objective is to inform our families with creditable nutrition information that will lead to a change in their eating behaviors with the goal of ultimately contributing to the quality of life and reduce the rates of obesity and chronic diseases.”

WIC services are available 24/7, and counselors are available to share information on healthy eating habits for parents and their babies not only during National Nutrition Month, but also on an ongoing basis throughout the year. WIC is dedicated to delivering 5-star customer service at all times.

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.

For more information, visit the Urban League WIC website at: www.wiclv.org or their two convenient locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.

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