Health tips from MSD nurses
The festivities of the holiday season can be a challenging time to maintain good nutritional habits. On average, people gain between one to three pounds from Thanksgiving to Christmas. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, over time it can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
If your child reverts to unhealthy eating habits during the holidays, it can be challenging for them to get back to good food choices again in the new year. Making sure that you and your child continue to practice healthy behaviors throughout the holidays can help ensure that your family’s health stays in top shape year-round.
Here are some tips to help maintain healthy eating habits over the holidays:
- Keep a normal eating schedule.
- Be mindful of portion sizes.
- Offer plenty of vegetables and fruits.
- Include kids in food preparation.
- Be active.
If your family needs nutrition resources, the MSD Family Resource Center food pantry is open by appointment. Call 503.565.4225 to make arrangements.
Other local resources include:
Supplemental Food Boxes
- Hope On the Hill 500 North Hill Rd, 503.472.8476, Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m.
- Baker Creek Community Church 325 NW Baker Creek Rd, 503.434.5541, Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Salvation Army 1950 SW 2nd St, 503.472.1009, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 1 – 4 p.m.
- St. Vincent de Paul 106 SE Handley St, 503.472.6216, Mondays – Fridays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Congregate Meals
- Soup Kitchen at St. Barnabas 822 SW Second St, 503.472.3711, Mondays-Fridays, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Saturday Morning Breakfast, McMinnville Cooperative Ministries, 544 NE 2nd St, Saturdays, 8 – 10 a.m.
- Saturday Community Dinner, First Presbyterian Church, 390 NE 2nd St, 503.472.6256, Saturdays 5 – 6 p.m. and Wednesdays, 8 – 9:30 a.m