The Villages Daily Sun

BUSHNELL — Sumter County Health Department health educator Nathan Overstreet admitted in a Partners in Wellness class that he like cookies and milk — a lot.

But not as a bedtime snack.

“You can eat almost anything, with moderation and at the right time, without risking your health,” Overstreet said. “And make good choices. Instead of whole milk, drink 2 percent or skim and have two or three cookies not a handful.”

The key is to be conscious of the amount of food you eat, and when you eat it, he said. Don’t eat late in the evening. And exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

“There is absolutely no chance to burn off any calories, if you sit down for a snack of cookies or cake or pie and whole milk at 10 p.m.,” Overstreet said. “If you want the goodies, eat them earlier in the day. You’ll remember those two cookies when you sit down for lunch or dinner and eat lighter.”

Overstreet started a six-month, Sumter County Health Department Partners in Wellness program at the Bushnell Public Library on Dec. 20. He has several other of the programs around the county.

The program is centered around education about individual numbers, such as body mass index, blood pressure and weight, and includes information about nutrition and exercise. Its goal is to create a healthier community.

“Because of obesity statistics in this county, we were selected as one of 10 counties in the state to participate in this program,” Overstreet said, “and one of 10 states in the United States to participate in the program.”

The program focuses on improved cardiovascular health, weight control, and exercise.

According to Overstreet, the three are connected.

The lack of significant physical activity and poor nutrition can lead to obesity, which in turn can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.

The goal is to have clients take responsibility for and control over their health.

“I tell clients if they will just do some physical activity 30 minutes a day, even if it’s doing curls with a can of green beans while they watch television, they will burn calories and become more fit, Overstreet said. “It will make a difference in their overall health.”

The class includes weight, blood pressure and body mass index charts and

incentives — all provided at

no charge.

“I make these classes fun,” Overstreet said. “I’m running up and down and my favorite thing to bring to class is my vials of fat. Most people don’t know what a pound of fat looks like. I do. I also have a vial that shows how much fat is in a grilled chicken Caesar salad. That really freaks people out. They think they’re eating healthy, but no.”

Library manager Tina Andes attended the first meeting and was excited about the information provided for free to clients during the class. She suggested that a walking club could be added.

“I like to walk but just not by myself, I would love to have a group start here in Bushnell,” Andes said. “That would be an excellent addition to the class.”

Overstreet is planning another way for Sumter County residents to get more physical activity in February and March.

“I’m in charge of the state initiative Step Up! Florida this year and we’re looking at three days of activities,” Overstreet said. “Usually it’s one day, but in 2008 it will be three days, spread out over two months.”

He is still firming up the plans, but knows the days will include activities for adults and children.

“I’m working with four day care (facilities) right now, with the two-a-day initiative,” Overstreet said. “That’s two fruits a day, and juice does not count.”

Approximately 140 children from these day care facilities will be dancing, and participating in physical challenges at Lake Okahumpka Park near Wildwood.

“I want to get across to these children that it’s important to eat right and exercise to be healthy,” Overstreet said. “And I want everyone to know it’s never too late to improve their health.”

Overstreet has several similar programs in progress in Adamsville, Wildwood and Bushnell.

“I bring the classes to your group, club or church at no charge,” Overstreet said. “My goal is to educate as many people as possible on the advantages of taking control of their health. I work in the community, nights, weekends, whenever. Just contact me to learn about the programs we offer.”

For more information on the wide variety of community educational programs the Sumter County Health Department provides throughout the county, call Overstreet at 793-2701, ext. 299.

Patricia Steele is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 7992, or patricia.steele@thevillagesmedia.com