2
Happy Meal makeover
“Do you want fries with that?”
It’s a question that has become
a trademark of fast-food chains.
But when it comes to kids’
menus, you may soon forgo the
fries for healthier options, such
as apples, raisins and carrot
sticks.
These healthier food choices
are the result of a new initiative
by the National Restaurant
Association. So far, 19 fast-food
chains have agreed to abide by a
series of new health guidelines,
including offering at least one
meal that contains 600 or fewer
calories and a side dish totaling
no more than 200 calories.
Participating restaurants are also
adding more fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, lean protein and
low-fat dairy options to their
menus.
“Eating out can wreak havoc
on any healthy meal plan,” says
Saint Agnes registered dietitian
Michelle Telesmanic, MS, RD,
CDE. “These new menu options
will help people stick to eating a
healthier diet, even when they’re
on the run or enjoying a night
out.”
These changes come on the
heels of a growing obesity
epidemic. Nearly 20 percent of
children ages 6 to 11 are obese,
reports the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
The question remains: Will kids
eat up these healthier options or
still opt for high-fat alternatives?
“Parents can do a lot to lay a
good foundation,” Telesmanic
says. “By instilling healthy eating
habits early on, your kids have
a greater chance of maintaining
good eating habits into
adulthood.”
NEWS
&
NOTES
Nancy Hollingsworth, RN
President & CEO
Saint Agnes Medical Center
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Letter from
the president
Life is hectic, no matter what stage
of it you’re in. Juggling the demands
of family, work and social life can be
exhausting, let alone trying to keep
your health in check. I must confess:
Being a registered nurse and hospital
CEO doesn’t make it any easier.
That’s one of the reasons Saint
Agnes is pleased to bring you its
first issue of HealthLink, our quar-
terly health and wellness magazine
filled with real-life stories from Valley
patients, the latest health treatments
and tips, and Q&As with local health
professionals. It’s just one more way
Saint Agnes is connecting you with
up-to-date health and wellness news.
In this premiere HealthLink is-
sue, you’ll learn how to recognize
the signs and symptoms of stroke,
hear from a local mom why faith-
fully scheduling a mammogram is so
important, discover how a new life-
saving cooling treatment is making
survivors out of local cardiac arrest
patients, and find out how to incor-
porate healthy foods into your child’s
diet from one of the chefs at Whole
Foods in Fig Garden Village.
Life is busy. But that’s all the more
reason to stay connected to health
sources you can trust – like Saint
Agnes.
In good health,
www.samc.com