Preparing and Presenting at a Health Fair as a Dietetic Intern

Written By: Addie O'Neill; SLU Dietetic Intern

During my community health promotion rotation, I had the unique opportunity to design a handout and create a recipe for a diabetes health fair. My preceptor, Rosemary Catanzaro, RD, CDES, at SLUCare Maternal and Fetal Health, informed me that we would be hosting a table at the fair. This was an exciting chance to connect directly with the diabetes community while combining creativity with evidence-based education to address real-life needs.

While working with Rosemary, I learned that most of her patients either had diabetes and
needed preconception counseling or had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM). I shadowed her as she educated patients, from those newly diagnosed to those preparing to give birth and discussing postpartum plans. Witnessing how integral Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) was to their care inspired me to learn more about GDM and focus my educational materials on this condition. My goal was to create a resource that was clear, practical, and empowering tools that women could trust to navigate the challenges of GDM.  

Creating Educational Materials 

For women newly diagnosed with GDM, the experience can feel overwhelming. They often face a flood of new information, lifestyle adjustments, and concerns about their health and their baby’s well-being. Many are taught a new way of eating and may be prescribed medications that they have to learn how to administer. I had the opportunity to watch Rosemary demonstrate injection techniques to patients and then gave them the change to try by practicing on a pillow. This hands-on approach helped alleviate fears and improve the moms’ confidence in managing their condition for their health and for the health of their baby. While I knew couldn’t provide this level of reassurance to every attendee at the health fair, I aimed to create a handout that delivered not just knowledge but also practical tools and encouragement. 

When designing the materials for the health fair, I set a few goals for myself. First, I wanted the content to be clear, concise, and easy to read. I aimed for it to be something moms could quickly understand as they were walking through the health fair or reading it over after leaving a doctors appointment. I also needed it to be rooted in evidence-based research to ensure accuracy and gain their trust. I also wanted to make sure that I aligned my call to action with SLUCare’s mission, ensuring the handout served as a welcoming entry point for moms reading about GDM for the first time. Lastly, I focused on making the handout visually appealing and approachable, aiming to provide comfort during a potentially stressful time. 

Starting with the Basics 

GDM can feel complex and overwhelming for new moms, but understanding the basics helps make it more manageable so this is where I wanted to begin my handout. I started by explaining what diabetes is and why it happens during pregnancy. GDM occurs when a woman experiences high blood sugar for the first-time during pregnancy due to hormonal changes from the placenta. These hormones increase insulin resistance, requiring the body to produce two to three times the normal amount of insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels. For most women, this adjustment is sufficient. However, for 5%–10% of pregnant women, the body cannot produce enough insulin, leading to GDM, typically between the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. I wanted to reassure women that GDM is not their fault, rather it’s due to these hormonal changes. However, with proper nutrition and medical strategies, blood sugar can be managed effectively, promoting healthy outcomes for both mom and baby.

Highlighting Risks and Solutions 

While I didn’t want to overwhelm expectant moms, I included information about potential risks if GDM is not managed. For example, babies may grow larger than normal (macrosomia), increasing the risk of injury during vaginal delivery or necessitating a cesarean section. Other risks include neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after birth because they are used to the surgery environment of the womb and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). By pairing this information with actionable solutions, I aimed to empower moms to take proactive steps. The handout outlined clear, evidence-based strategies for managing GDM, demonstrating how working with your team of health care providers and following their medical advice can lead to healthier outcomes. 

The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy 

One of my biggest takeaways from my internship with SLUCare was the critical role Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plays in managing gestational diabetes (GDM). Watching Rosemary, the Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, work with patients was easily my favorite part of the experience. Her role on the healthcare team is essential and seeing her in action inspired me to make MNT a major focus of my handout and talking points at the health fair. 

When GDM patients visit SLUCare, they meet with Rosemary to discuss their current diet, dietary recommendations, portion sizes, and target blood sugar levels. She emphasizes the importance of a consistent carbohydrate diet, answers their questions, and works through their food diaries to suggest small, practical changes that can help lower blood sugar. After reviewing their progress, she collaborates with the doctors to tailor their medication regimen and ensures patients know how to properly administer their medications. 

For many newly diagnosed pregnant women, this process can feel overwhelming. Figuring out what to eat and how to manage their new daily routine with medications and blood sugar checks often feels like a daunting task. I wanted my handout to address this apprehension directly. That’s why I included information about MNT and a sample daily menu to demonstrate how a consistent carbohydrate diet can fit into their lives. My goal was to show that managing GDM doesn’t mean sacrificing all of your favorite meals. But that that changes can make a big difference in managing this condition.  

One of the most common questions moms ask is, “What should I eat?” With busy schedules and the added stress of GDM, many are looking for healthy, convenient options. To meet this need, I included a recipe for egg bites, what I thought would be a simple, budget-friendly choice that can be prepped ahead of time and tailored to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Moms can mix and match toppings to suit the preferences or their individual family’s needs, making the recipe both practical and versatile. To ensure the recipe worked well, I tested two versions and brought them to the office for feedback. I even created a vegan version with red peppers, onions, and vegan cheddar cheese to accommodate any moms with dietary restrictions. Both versions received positive feedback from the office team! Knowing the recipe resonated with others reassured me that it would be a helpful resource for moms managing GDM and I should include it on the handout. When I was at the health fair many people that stopped by were intrigued and thankful to have resources about GDM and have a sample menu and recipes to try!

A Valuable Experience 

Creating a handout and working at the health fair was an invaluable experience. It enhanced my skills in designing educational materials and communicating with patients. Special thanks to Rosemary Catanzaro, RD, CDES, for teaching me about gestational diabetes, the importance of MNT, and how to connect with patients as a diabetes educator. This project was a hands-on example of how impactful evidence-based education can be, and I’m excited to carry these lessons into my future work in dietetics. 

Immunity During the Holidays

 Written By: Chloe Raben; SLU Dietetic Intern

        Have you ever gotten sick during the holiday season because of changing weather or being around others who are unwell?

        Almost all nutrients in the diet play a crucial role in maintaining an "optimal" immune response, and both insufficient and excessive intakes can have negative consequences on the immune status. Ferencik’s article summarizes the importance of two micronutrients, selenium, and zinc, and describes the mechanisms through which they affect the immune status and other physiological functions (Ferencik et al., 2003). This article claims that selenium is needed for the proper functioning of neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, T lymphocytes and some other immune mechanisms.

        A 2024 study demonstrated that zinc cannot be stored in significant amounts, so regular dietary intake is essential (Stiles et al., 2024). Adequate nutrition is crucial during the holiday season due to the season often bringing colder temperatures and increased indoor activity, both of which can raise the risk of illnesses like colds and flu. Strengthening the immune system through proper nutrition is vital during this time. Several key nutrients support immune health, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics. Beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach, supports skin health and mucous membranes. Vitamin C, abundant in citrus fruits and bell peppers, helps maintain immune function, while vitamin D, from sources like fortified milk and fatty fish, plays a critical role in immune regulation.

        Zinc is essential for the proper function of white blood cells, can be found in beef, nuts, and beans, and probiotics in yogurt and fermented foods support gut health, a cornerstone of immunity. Zinc is indispensable for the proper functioning of all immune cells. It helps mount a balanced immune response to bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as noted in a 2021 study by Wessels et al. Meanwhile, selenium and beta-carotene supplementation can increase total T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infection, as detailed in the Integrative Medicine book by Wood et al. T cells work by destroying infected cells and signaling other immune cells to join the fight. It stated the selenium and beta-carotene supplementation caused an increase in total T cells by 27% and 31%. T cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. They help your immune system fight germs and protect you from disease. The T cells do this by destroying infected cells and send signals that direct other immune cells to fight infection. This demonstrates the importance of having adequate nutrition during these holiday times to strengthen our immune system. Foods that are high in selenium include, Brazil nuts, fish, poultry, eggs, etc. Foods high in beta-carotene are yellow, orange, and green leafy fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash. Luckily these foods are seasonal in the winter months as well.

Immune-Boosting Foods to Add to Your Holiday Meals

        The good news? Many foods rich in these immune-supporting nutrients are also delicious and perfect for the winter season! Here are some highlights:

- Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts, fish, poultry, and eggs.

- Beta-Carotene: Abundant in yellow, orange, and green vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and winter squash.

- Zinc: Found in beef, nuts, beans, and seeds.

- Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

- Vitamin D: Found in fortified milk, fatty fish, and egg yolks.

- Probiotics: Found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut.

        Incorporating colorful and nutrient-dense foods into holiday meals is an excellent strategy to support health. Eating a variety of colors—such as red tomatoes, orange carrots, green kale, and purple cabbage—ensures a broad intake of vitamins and antioxidants. For example, a rainbow-inspired salad can include spinach, red cabbage, orange slices, and nuts. Additionally, making thoughtful substitutions can reduce sugar and sodium while boosting nutrient content. For example, replace marshmallows on sweet potatoes with apples and walnuts, or use fresh green beans sautéed with mushrooms and garlic instead of traditional creamy casseroles. These swaps not only enhance flavor but also provide critical nutrients like zinc and vitamin C.

Flavorful and Healthy Substitutions

        Flavoring meals with herbs and spices rather than salt is another way to prioritize health without sacrificing taste. Spices like garlic powder, sage, and bay leaves not only reduce sodium intake but also offer additional antioxidants. Homemade dishes, such as roasted vegetable stuffing, can replace processed options to limit additives and maximize nutrient density. By making these adjustments, holiday meals can be both delicious and immune boosting, ensuring a season of joy and wellness.

Green Bean Casserole → Holiday Green Beans

    Holiday Green Beans Ingredients:

· 1 tbsp olive oil

· 2 bulbs finely chopped shallots

· 4 cloves minced garlic.

· 1 lb. fresh green beans, blanched in water for 2 minutes.

· salt and pepper

· 1 can Anchovy oil

· 2-3 chopped anchovy fillets.

    Holiday Green Beans Instructions:

· Blanch green beans for 2 minutes in boiling water.

· Add garlic, shallots, anchovy oil and chopped fillets to a skillet over medium high heat.

· Add green beans to the skillet and cook for 30-40 minutes.

· Serve and enjoy!