"Diet and the Aging Brain" 

Tuesday, February 28th, 7 -8 pm

Come early and enjoy dinner

 

The factors that lead to “successful” brain aging are likely many and are not well understood. The factors that affect brain aging may involve exposures occurring through out life. Dr. Sheridan's research can be broadly described as determining how diet alters inflammatory processes in the brain. The lab’s research is designed to answer questions important to understanding how diet affects brain function (memory and anxiety-related disorders) and “successful” brain aging. As our population ages and becomes increasingly obese, the implications of diet on age-related neurological conditions are a significant public health concern and the challenge of identifying the factors that can be targeted to slow or prevent these diseases must be met.

Dr. Sheridan received her a BS in Microbiology from The Ohio State University and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester in New York. She continued her training as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of North Carolina in Nutritional Immunology. She is currently a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at UNC.

Future Talks:

“Health Promotion and Disease Prevention”

Tuesday, March 27th, 7 -8 pm by Dr. Jeffrey Engel, NC's State Health Director from 2009 to 2012. 

Dr.Jeff Engel will discuss briefly the history of public health which was primarily devoted to infectious disease prevention up until the modern era of vaccinations and sanitation. In the 21st century the challenges are now chronic disease prevention and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The social determinants of disease will be brought up in context with our changing environment, and how we are working together to “make the healthy choice the easy choice”.

Dr. Jeffrey Engel served as North Carolina’s State Health Director from 2009 to 2012.  Prior to that, he served for seven years as the State Epidemiologist and Chief of the Epidemiology Section for the Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services. He was Professor of Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases. At Pitt County Memorial Hospital he was the first Medical Director of hospital infection control.  Jeff received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
 

“Fiber and your Health” 

Tuesday, April 24th, 7 -8 pm by Lydia Loyd, registered nutritionist, Wake County Human Services

Is fiber is important for more than digestive health?  Is there a connection between  fiber and heart health or diabetes control?  Is fiber the same as whole grain on a food label? What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber?  How much fiber should I eat? 

Lydia Loyd is a registered dietitian and nutritionist with the Health Promotion Section of Wake County Human Services.  She works throughout Wake County, aiding businesses and organizations in offering healthier food and activity options to their members and employees.

     

Previous Talks

Local Foods in Wake County

Tuesday, January 31st, presentation beginning at 7pm

Did you know that Wake County is home to over 50 community gardens, farmers markets, CSAs and pick your owns? Carol Mitchell, a registered dietitian with Wake County Cooperative Extension, will discuss easy and cost-effective ways for your family to eat more healthy, fresh, and local food through all of the resources available to us in Wake County. Carol works to increase access to healthy food in Wake County through efforts with schools, child care centers, and other community organizations. She is also a leader in the community gardening movement in Wake County