News

Oct 28, 2023

Pumpkin Power!

It’s finally Fall! It’s that time of the year for sweaters, warm drinks, and pumpkins! Pumpkins have become a symbol of harvest and festivity. Pumpkins are not only a staple of fall decorations, they start showing up in favorite dishes, and in that way, they can enhance your diet with great nutrition. Every part of… 

Aug 28, 2023

Report from American Society of Nutrition Conference

I attended the American Society of Nutrition Conference in Boston in late July. Scientists and healthcare professionals from all over the world came together to exchange information about the future of food and nutrition science in healthcare. The session Food as Medicine particularly resonated with me and reaffirmed the work we are doing to incorporate dietary guidance… 

Aug 15, 2023

PCOS & Phytochemicals

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common diagnosis for women of childbearing age. As many as six million women in the United States (nearly 10% of the US population) have symptoms of PCOS.1  PCOS is a hormonal disorder classified by three main features: the lack of ovulation, overproduction of androgen hormones, and the presence of multiple… 

Jun 14, 2023

Granillo Earns DNP Degree

In May, Cheri Granillo graduated from UNC Charlotte with the degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice. This degree program prepares nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. With 19 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, Granillo was aware of many challenges facing the nursing… 

Jun 14, 2023

Suggested Summer Reads

Cancer Hates Tea, by Marie Uspenski, Explores the connection between tea and its potential benefits in preventing and fighting cancer. The book delves into the science behind tea’s healing properties, providing valuable information and practical tips for incorporating tea into a healthy lifestyle. Uspenski recommends five cups of black, green, white, oolong, or pu-erh tea… 

Jun 14, 2023

Summer Snacks with Skincare in Mind

If we think of health as an artform, then food, exercise, and even medications and medical treatment are tools that we can use to paint the picture of health for our lives. As we learn more about how the body works, we can better choose how best to use the tools that we have to… 

Apr 14, 2023

What is PhytoRx and how can it work for you?

PhytoRx is a new program that helps healthcare professionals learn how to prescribe specific phytochemical-rich produce for targeted diseases. PhytoRx fosters connections between healthcare professionals and Extension agents to tap into nutrition education for patients and food distributors to make the foods critical to health available and accessible to those in the program. PhytoRx takes… 

Apr 14, 2023

Partner with NC Cooperative Extension to Support Community Health

Cooperative Extension is often called a “best kept secret,” except it’s not trying to hide, and would love to engage with more community members. The Cooperative Extension Service was created over one hundred years ago by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (part of the US Department of Agriculture) to support education and outreach programs aligned… 

Feb 14, 2023

Gut Health Tip: Discover Lentils!

Increase your fiber by substituting lentils in recipes that call for ground meat. If the recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, chicken, or pork, try 1/2 pound of meat and 1 cup of lentils. The lentils will absorb the flavor of the seasonings and the meat, but with the added benefit of fiber,…