Health and wellness center offers healthy cookout Published July 28, 2006 By Senior Airman Holly MacDonald 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- For many Americans, cookouts are a time for fellowship with family and friends involving burgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages. Shaw members now have some new ideas on how to keep the fellowship and keep their figure at the same time. The health and wellness center held a healthy cookout at the community center July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. "The cookout is a way to show people how to reduce their calorie and fat intake when cooking out," said Tech. Sgt. Tedisha Baker, 20th Medical Group health promotion flight chief. Information brochures, calorie intake calculators, take-home goodies and a healthy meal were displayed across tables in the community center banquet room. The cookout started off with instructions on how to use a calorie calculator. The table was then open for eating. There was a selection of turkey burgers or turkey hot dogs, pasta salad, baked beans and fruit salad. For beverages, juice and water were provided. "The food we offer reduces the risk of obesity-related diseases and encourages healthy living," said Sgt. Baker. Approximately 25 people attended the cookout. Next year, Sgt. Baker said they will advertise more to try and get more people involved. She also said they will be personally inviting all of the commanders and first sergeants on base. "I think when people think of cookouts, they traditionally think of unhealthy, heavy eating. This is a great way to have fun at a cookout and still eat healthy and nutritiously," said Ms. Jana Holder, 20th Medical Group director of performance improvement. She also said she hopes more people come next year because it's such a fun opportunity. The HAWC hosts a healthy cookout once a year in either June or July. They also host other healthy eating events throughout the year. In March, the HAWC hosts healthy food main entrees for National Nutrition Month. In November, they host a healthy dessert course with recipes from a diabetic cookbook. This year they are also appearing at the pediatric health fair on Aug. 4 with healthy snacks for children, Sgt. Baker said.