Last week I attended the 61st Annual Conference of the California Schools Nurse Organization in Fresno. This years’ theme was “The Health of the Child is the Power of the Nation.” And with over 1400 active members of CSNO, I can’t imagine our children’s health being in better hands. School nurses dedicate their lives to improving the health of our children, and with the increasing numbers of kids they serve, it can result in less time available to focus on their own health. In order to show our appreciation for the work they do, Dairy Council of California provided the nurses who attended our exhibit booth the opportunity to receive a free bone density screening.
The bone density screenings were provided by Dr. Ken Howayeck of Five Star Onsite Testing. It was definitely a success! Over 30 school nurses participated. Everyone received their bone density results and a print out to bring to their next medical appointment. The tests were easy and painless (I know this because I was the first participant to get screened) and very accurate thanks to Five Star utilizing a top-of-the-line Achilles Bone Ultrasonometer®. Some of the participants commented that they thought it was a great way for us to show that we care not only about the health of the children, but their health too!
Bone health is a major concern for children and School Nurses know this better than anyone. About 2/3 of adolescent children do not get adequate calcium in their diets and do not meet physical activity guidelines, thus putting them at risk for osteoporosis later on in life. Adults, especially women over 50, should also pay close attention to the factors that can improve their bone health.
Dairy Council of California has several nutrition education resources available that can be used to teach the importance of bone health to adults and children of all ages. We were happy to share with the school nurses in attendance our free nutrition resources, which focus on ways to improve calcium intake and promote optimal bone health. But best of all, we were able to provide an opportunity for them to take a few moments to focus on their own health.
Ashley Rosales, R.D.
Project Manager
Ashley Rosales, Registered Dietitian
About me:
Ashley Rosales, registered dietitian, received her B.S. in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis and completed the dietetic internship program at Napa State Hospital. She has a professional background in nutrition for the elderly and has worked in both the clinical and community setting. However, she has found her true calling working in the field of nutrition education where she can empower others to make the best food and lifestyle decisions for their own optimal health and wellness.
Ashley’s fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen helping her mom and grandmother cook, or around the dinner table sharing laughs with family and friends. As a wife and new mom she loves keeping the family mealtime tradition alive by preparing delicious and nutritious meals at home and she is inspired to help others do the same. She strongly believes that no matter what challenges families are faced with, such as limited time, lack of skills or even economic resources, they can find unique ways to share in a home cooked meal and reap all of the wonderful benefits of family meal time.
Her favorite quote: “We are indeed more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us be much more than what we are.”
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