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Cooperative Extension

Wellness Wednesdays Archive

Chronic Disease Prevention

  • Can food really be medicine? Join a doctor and nutrition educator as they share how simple foods can power up your energy, focus, and health - one bite at a time.

    Presenter: Delma Yorimoto, MS and Eric Walsh, MD

  • This presentation gives an overview of diabetes and how it impacts our health. We will review the different types, risk factors, causes, signs and symptoms, and risk reduction tactics. In addition, we will explore the link between diabetes and certain types of cancer and how to use food to optimize nutritional health and well-being.

    Presenter: Brandon Ehmann, MPH/RD student

  • This presentation will explore the significant link between obesity and endometrial cancer. We will explore what contributes to this association and discuss the potential strategies for prevention and early detection of endometrial cancer, emphasizing the importance of weight management and a healthy lifestyle.

    Presenter: Davyani Yadav, MPH/RD student

  • This webinar will highlight cardiovascular health awareness and management. Important lifestyle changes to support cardiovascular health will be presented and include:

    • Eating a heart-healthy diet
    • Increasing physical activity
    • Managing weight
    • Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
    • Reducing stress
    • Getting enough sleep
    • Regular checkups, including blood pressure and blood sugar

    Presenter: Kathleen Cullinen, Ph.D., RDN | Assistant Professor-Educator/County Agent III Ocean County

Cooking/Food Preservation/Waste Reduction/Gardening

  • Discover how to make the most of New Jersey's locally grown produce with Ricardo Kairios, FCHS Educator/Assistant Professor. This interactive session will explore the latest tools designed to help you access and enjoy fresh, local produce. Ricardo will share updates on existing resources, lead a discussion on best practices shared by fellow participants, and gather your input on additional tools that could enhance your local food experience. Whether you're a seasoned local food enthusiast or just getting started, this session will inspire you to shop locally and savor the fresh harvest from New Jersey's backyard!

    Presenter: Ricardo Kairios, MS

  • This webinar will share the basics of creating delicious homemade soups. You will learn about many popular soups from around the world. This webinar may inspire you to prepare more soups and incorporate them in your meal plans during the cold winter months to get wholesome nutrition in an easy way.

    Presenter: Shailja Mathur

Nutrition/Food Literacy

  • Proper nutrition can aid in managing menopausal symptoms and maintaining optimal health. Join us to learn about how lifestyle factors can help you through this period and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

    Presenter: Jennifer Taylor, RDN, CHES

  • This webinar will detail what a balanced diet for older adults consists of, the rationale for a variety of nutrients, such as protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, as well as good sources of these nutrients. Tips on meal preparation and storage to maximize nutrient retention will also be presented.

    Presenter: Kathleen Cullinen, Ph.D., RDN | Assistant Professor-Educator/County Agent III Ocean County

  • In November we took a deep dive into the Nutrition Facts Label, now we are going to explore the rest of the food package. Learn about front of package labels, nutrition claims, and what phrases are regulated and which are not. Understanding how to decipher food packages can help you make healthier decisions for you and your family.

    Presenter: Jen Taylor

  • Happy National Nutrition Month, New Jersey! Join Ricardo Kairios, FCHS Educator/Assistant Professor, for an engaging exploration of the incredible tools and resources available at MyPlate.gov. Whether you're already familiar with MyPlate or just beginning to learn about it, Ricardo will demonstrate how its flexible approach can fit any lifestyle and taste preference.

    During this session, you'll:

    • Discover a variety of print resources tailored to different topics and audiences.
    • Learn how to use self-assessment tools to gain personalized feedback and develop actionable strategies for healthier habits.
    • Explore apps and tools designed to help you set and achieve your nutrition goals.

    This is the perfect opportunity to explore new ways to enjoy a balanced and nourishing approach to eating while discovering how MyPlate can support your wellness journey!

    Presenter: Ricardo Kairios, MS

  • "Seeing Beyond the Surface: Body Image and Eating Disorders" explores the impact of societal pressures on body image and eating habits. Learn about the signs of eating disorders and discover resources for support and prevention in this engaging session.

    Presenter: Delma Yorimoto

  • Join us as we discuss positive lifestyle changes to support weight loss. We will be focusing on cultivating a mindset of positivity, adding nutrient dense foods and physical activity, and setting realistic and achievable goals. We will explore how these additions support overall wellness in the 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework as defined by SAMHSA.

    Presenter: Anneliese Kuemmerle, MS, RDN

  • Our dietary choices have a significant impact on our health, the environment around us and the health of our planet. Learning the way we personally eat along with modern production techniques can help us to limit global warming and climate change. By making sustainable food choices, simply tweak your diet and it can lower your environmental footprint and jumpstart your climate- friendly eating.

    Presenter: Karen Ensle

Wellness

  • In uncertain times, we all may experience levels of anxiety or stress that make us feel unwell. Within minority communities, unique stressors and triggers combined with cultural stigmas about seeking mental health care often leave us without resources, information, or support to get well (mind and body). Join us for a session to learn more about the impact stress has on our bodies and health, culturally appropriate ways to help people seek outside support, and information resources on where people can get help.

    Preenter: Meredith Taylor, MPH

  • Please join us for an overview of a Chancellor Challenge pilot grant to create programming and services that engages students on a wellness journey through experiences aligned with their academic goals and extracurricular experiences.

    Presenter: Patty J. Oehmke, PhD.

  • Stress is an inevitable part of life. While some stress can motivate and encourage a positive mindset towards challenges, other types of stress can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. In recognition of stress awareness month (April 2025), this 3-part series will take a closer look at the nature of stress: what it is, the different types, how to assess our stress levels, and coping strategies for managing stress in our lives. In the final session of this series, we focus on practical strategies for managing stress and discuss how to incorporate them into our daily lives.

    Presenter: Veronica Jones, PhD, MPH, CHES

  • This webinar will describe and demonstrate gentle exercises and flexibility routines that can easily be done at home with no or low cost items. Audience participation will be encouraged, and the benefits of mindful movement with a focus on breathing will be discussed.

    Presenter: Kathleen Cullinen, Ph.D., RDN | Assistant Professor-Educator/County Agent III Ocean County

  • "Seeing Beyond the Surface: Body Image and Eating Disorders" explores the impact of societal pressures on body image and eating habits. Learn about the signs of eating disorders and discover resources for support and prevention in this engaging session.

    Presenter: Delma Yorimoto

  • Stress is an inevitable part of life. While some stress can motivate and encourage a positive mindset towards challenges, other types of stress can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. In recognition of stress awareness month (April 2025), this 3-part series will take a closer look at the nature of stress: what it is, the different types, how to assess our stress levels, and coping strategies for managing stress in our lives. In session 2, we will explore the common sources of stress and the potential effects of chronic stress. Understanding how long-term stressors impact physical and mental health is key to managing its consequences.

    Presenter: Veronica Jones, PhD, MPH, CHES

  • Stress is an inevitable part of life. While some stress can motivate and encourage a positive mindset towards challenges, other types of stress can have a significant impact on our health and well-being. In recognition of stress awareness month (April 2025), this 3-part series will take a closer look at the nature of stress: what it is, the different types, how to assess our stress levels, and coping strategies for managing stress in our lives. In this introductory session, we will define stress and explore the various types of stress. We will review findings from the Stress in America 2024 report, and introduce the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to help participants assess their stress levels.

    Presenter:Veronica Jones, PhD, MPH, CHES

  • In November we took a deep dive into the Nutrition Facts Label, now we are going to explore the rest of the food package. Learn about front of package labels, nutrition claims, and what phrases are regulated and which are not. Understanding how to decipher food packages can help you make healthier decisions for you and your family.

    Presenter: Jen Taylor

  • This talk will look at substance use among mothers in rural areas, rural New Jersey, and with real-life examples. Learn about rural mothers' health, understand resources and prevention available for women using substances, and identify examples from New Jersey as part of the Northeast and Caribbean Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (NeC-ROTAC)

    Presenter: Alyssa Juntilla, BS, MPH Candidate, NeC-ROTAC NJ Project Coordinator, Rutgers University School of Social Work

  • This webinar will focus on establishing healthy habits in 2025. Healthy habits to be presented will include prioritizing sleep, healthy eating, physical activity, challenging our brains, stopping smoking, finding an accountability partner, and scheduling health screenings.

    Presenter: Kathleen Cullinen, Ph.D., RDN | Assistant Professor-Educator/County Agent III Ocean County

  • Join us for 'The Science of Kindness: Improving Your Health One Act at a Time' to explore the powerful connection between compassion and well-being. Discover the science behind kindness and how you can integrate it into your life for a healthier, happier you.

    Presenter: Delma Yorimoto