New Hanscom nutritionist encourages healthy lifestyles, offers nutrition counseling, classes Published May 5, 2009 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Improving weather, the Team Lean Challenge's momentum and leadership support is revitalizing the Hanscom community's commitment to health and fitness. While nutrition is a key element in overall health, individuals often struggle with discerning facts from trends. Hanscom has a new nutritionist to help individuals seeking healthier lifestyles. Ellen Harris, a registered dietician, arrived at Hanscom's Health and Wellness Center March 3. Ms. Harris offers nutrition counseling for active-duty servicemembers, retirees and dependants and teaches nutrition classes, which are available for the entire base community. Nutrition counseling Active-duty servicemembers, retired military members and dependants with nutrition questions or concerns can contact Ms. Harris for nutrition counseling. "Nutrition counseling can be either private or in small groups," Ms. Harris said. While making an appointment, individuals seeking nutrition counseling are asked whether they have any specific questions or concerns, Ms. Harris said. "I like to know what they want to go over and what they would like to get out of the appointment." During nutrition counseling appointments, Ms. Harris takes a brief medical history, notes what a client eats on an average day and addresses any health problems, such as allergies, diabetes or arthritis. She then addresses the client's questions and offers any handouts or written information she has available. "I also like to use visual props -- like pictures or test tubes showing how much fat is contained in foods -- to make the point have more impact," she said. Along with the guidance she gives during appointments, Ms. Harris strives to encourage individuals in their fitness pursuits. "Whatever condition people are currently in, I try to work with them," Ms. Harris said. "I always have hope that someone can improve [their health] and that they will." Classes Ms. Harris' current class schedule focuses on cholesterol and diabetes and pre-diabetes management, but she hopes to expand the range of subjects, based on feedback from the Hanscom community. "If I know some people are interested in a specific topic, I can run a class," she said. "I want to do other classes and will gradually introduce new things." Community outreach Ms. Harris is currently working on a community outreach program with Air Force Materiel Command, she said. She hopes to collaborate with base food establishments on offering and marketing nutritious fare. Ms. Harris is also creating a children's class or workshop, and hopes to visit Hanscom schools to give fun presentations on the importance of nutrition and fitness. Ultimately, simplicity and exposure to healthy foods are the keys to making nutritious lifestyle changes, Ms. Harris said. "It's got to be simple. A lot of people aren't into cooking," she said. "They're eating a lot of frozen dinners, fast food and anything that is convenient. People might not want to suddenly start cooking, but they can still come in. I've got lists to recommendations for the healthiest frozen dinners and fast foods." To give clients exposure to a variety of healthy foods, Ms. Harris has begun organizing pot luck lunches, where each participant is instructed to bring a nutritious dish to share. "You have to come in contact with something to appreciate it," she said. "Once people try different things they think sound dull or unappealing, they often like it better and find it easier to prepare than they expected. I just want people to want to try." Ms. Harris sees her work at Hanscom as an opportunity to help Airmen reach their overall fitness goals by educating individuals about nutrition and supporting the Air Force programs for healthy lifestyles. "There are a lot of people on Hanscom who are focused on fitness, and the Air Force gives them a lot of support," Ms. Harris said. "I try to hear what people need and think of anything that I can recommend to help. I want to give people a broader picture so we're not just focusing on weight. I try to look at what works for people all over the world and convey that on a personal level." For more information or to make an appointment call (781) 377-8067 or e-mail Ellen.Harris.ctr@hanscom.af.mil.