Survey: nutrition is important

A recent survey showed that University students have been learning what their parents knew all along -- healthy eating is important.

Remaining healthy and worrying about nutrition helps students deal better with the stresses of school, said Karen Burke-Crawford, director of education and community affairs at Family Health Services Inc. in Bellefonte.

"College-age students are recognizing it's time to take care of their health," she said.

Students are realizing that healthy eating now is a preventative health measure for the future, said Emily Burrell (senior-nutrition), a student nutrition counselor.

University students, however, seem less concerned about the future and more concerned about how proper nutrition will affect them now.

Health reasons and not wanting to gain weight are major reasons for being concerned about nutrition, said Amy Hubicki (freshman-biology).

However, Burrell warns students to look out for misinformation when it comes to nutrition. She encourages students to read articles about nutrition and food labels, but also to know what they mean.

"If it sounds too good to be true it probably is," she said.

Students should stay away from fad diets because they are not really "nutritionally sound," Burrell said.

Rebecca Schure (senior-kinesiology), a wellness educator at HealthWorks, said she reminds students that a nutritious diet is a well-rounded one, not just a fat-free one. Students should eat fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates. The should also watch their fat intake and not eat too much late at night, she said.

More information about proper nutrition can be obtained by calling HealthWorks or going to 19 or 20 Ritenour.