The YMCA of Greater Brandywine and West Chester University have partnered to offer free nutritional education to all in the community. Two webinars will be offered for adults, especially seniors, and two presentations will be offered to middle school students who attend the Oscar Lasko YMCA and Childcare Center’s afterschool program. 

The first webinar – “Choosing the Best Foods to Keep Your Brain Healthy” – will be held on Wednesday, March 3 from 12-1 PM. Dr. Sandy Sarcona, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of nutrition at WCU, along with senior-level students majoring in Lifestyle Nutrition, will present the latest research findings on specific food components that have been shown to enhance brain functioning. They will help attendees learn how to include these components in their daily diets.

There is no charge, but attendees need to register by clicking here. 

The second webinar – “Evaluate the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Healthy Food” – will be held on Wednesday, March 10 from 12-1 PM. Dr. Sarcona and her students will explain how to evaluate nutrition fact labels and show how different components – especially sodium, fat, sugar, and fiber – are linked to common health issues. Recommendations for how to interpret these labels and make food choices that lead to better health will also be presented.

There is no charge, but attendees need to register by clicking here. 

Dr. Sarcona and her students are presenting these webinars as part of the YGBW’s Virtual Connections Series, which provides regular webinars for YGBW members to grow strong in spirit, mind, and body.

“We’re excited to partner with West Chester University on these two webinars and offer them to all in our community,” said Denise Day, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “We’re committed to helping everyone live a healthy life, and nutrition plays a complex role in that. It’s not always easy to know how to make good nutritional choices, but Dr. Sarcona and her students will provide expert guidance to help people do just that.” 

Additionally, Dr. Sarcona and her students are providing two presentations to middle school children who attend the Oscar Lasko YMCA’s afterschool program.  

“My students and I are excited to partner with the Y and share some of the latest research on nutrition with our community,” said Dr. Sarcona. “Both of our organizations are dedicated to helping everyone make decisions that support a healthy lifestyle.”