In a recent post, I talk about a paper I wrote for a health studies course, and I mentioned how important nutrition is in my life. Nutrition ~ the science or study that deals with food and nourishment, especially in humans ~ continues to be as important as ever to my lifestyle. 
At ISU, I took a Human Nutrition (FS HN 167) course in the Spring of 1994. It was a lecture style course, and the student body was well over 200 people. I enjoyed the course even in that type of learning environment.
Just as you orient in church, at a sports event, on the bus, or even at your dining room table, you tend to position yourself in the same seat or section. I recall the lecture room (in Curtiss Hall) and our little pod of people who sat down in front, lower left. We got to know each other familiarly (who would fall asleep first, who was the fastest test taker, who would be most likely to raise their hand and speak out, who would usually leave early…). This bonding helps with such a large learning environment.
Sleepy Student #1
Remember Julius Michalik (that’s not him!)? Julius was on the men’s basketball team back when Johnny Orr was in his final seasons as ISU’s head coach. Julius played with Fred Hoiberg (still The Mayor!) and Loren Meyer. I remember walking to class behind Julius in early, early morning hours, specifically during the predawn, butt freezing cold, wintery time.
Following in the Largest Footsteps
I used Julius’ huge footprints to guide me to class…kept my boots just a ‘lil less snow filled! He was in this course I’m talking about in this post, adding another special memory for me. Julius, as any basketball player, or as any student, or any worker, may sustain an injury in the course of work.
In my vocational rehab counseling & life care planning practice, I find it important to inquire about nutritional habits. Good nutrition plays an incredibly important role in the healing of an injury. If you simply don’t care what you eat, it is more likely than not you will have health related problems. And you won’t heal in an optimal time frame (it doesn’t need to months and certainly not years to heal with most injuries or from most surgeries). On the other hand, if you’re handling a medical malpractice case, I definitely find that nutrition is vital during rehabilitation.
What really happened in Saturday night’s Kansas vs Ohio State game?
Put tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake on top of crappy eating habits, and good luck with reaching a healthy state of healing and of mind. L have learned that healthy eating helps a person stay awake and alert, the body to heal quicker, and allows the mind to focus during important daily tasks in life.
In another of my past blogs I wrote about how I like to use visuals to teach…..and I use that concept for myself. Take a Look at What I Just Created called EAT ME. These foods are powerhouses! Feel free to print it off!
Nutrition is fundamental when helping a person to lead a healthy lifestyle and again to heal in an optimal time frame. Nutritional support varies on an individual basis, but it has to start somewhere. Here is a link to a simple nutrition assessment.
If I find the person whom I am assessing describing poor nutritional habits, I will offer suggestions and resources and will refer s/he to a dietician. Our local HyVee Food Stores have great information on nutrition. Nutrition made easy, take a look! Thank you for reading!
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My professional rehabilitation counseling practice is focused on helping people participate in the world around them, particularly in their own world of work.
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