By Matt Koper/ne news editor
Students and faculty will gain insight Feb. 11 into the effect a healthy lifestyle can have on preventing one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. — cardiovascular disease.
Laura Bartee, registered dietitian with Baylor All Saints Medical Center, will present Heart Smart: Eating for a Healthy Heart 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Larry Darlage Center Corner (NSTU 1615A) on NE Campus.
Bartee hopes the presentation will allow those attending to leave “with more of an awareness of how their lifestyle can impact and contribute to reducing their risk [for cardiovascular disease],” she said.
She also plans to go in-depth about changes to diet, Bartee said.
“I am going to talk a lot about reducing sodium intake because that’s a huge risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” she said.
The changes to diet also include things like “increasing fiber, specifically soluble fiber to help lower cholesterol,” she said.
She will also discuss ways to reduce “fatty acid intake” by “picking more plant-based proteins rather than animal-based proteins.”
Simply speaking at this lunch has helped her, Bartee said.
“I went back to school to become a registered dietitian because I wanted that accountability and encouragement every day of working with people to try and help them have a healthier lifestyle,” she said. “That helps me keep my health and lifestyle at the forefront of my day every day.”
She knows there won’t be fast food on the menu, Bartee said.
“Oh my God, if there was McDonald’s, I would be so upset,” she said. “Normally every time I present, they take extra caution to make sure something healthy is served.”
An RSVP is required for the event, which includes a free lunch.
Register at http://tccdne.volunteerhub.com/Events/Index.
