Columnist Susan Snyder: Dietician shows she has class

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005 | 8:10 a.m.

It has been a month since many of us vowed to improve our eating habits, which means we probably have failed at least half a dozen times already.

The chance to take another stab at it starts Thursday with free classes being offered by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. The classes are to be conducted from noon to 1 p.m. each Thursday through April 28 at the extension service's learning center, 2590 Lindell Road.

Mary Wilson, a registered dietician, will cover a range of topics designed to help people make good choices whether they are eating at home or eating out. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to the discussions.

To pre-register or for more information contact Wilson by calling 257-5507 or e-mail wilsonm@unce.unr.edu.

So now that you're eating right, it's time to get outside for some exercise.

Organizers of the city of Henderson's Project Green effort to clean up Pittman Wash are looking for volunteers to plant trees Saturday.

And the good part is no one has to dig holes. The holes are already there.

The planting starts at 9:30 a.m., and volunteers may leave whenever they wish. Water and food will be provided, but planters should bring their own gloves and wear sturdy shoes or boots and layered clothing (so you can shed as you warm up).

Park at Silver Springs Recreation Center, 1951 Silver Springs Road in Henderson. The road is the first light south of Warm Springs off Green Valley Parkway. Walk past the tennis courts and look for a group of people also wearing gloves and work clothes.

Please pre-register so organizers will have an idea how many people are coming. For more information, contact Susan Stater, 458-8382.

While we're talking about plants, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension folks are hosting a workshop about what kind of landscaping helps Nevadans live more safely in areas under threat of wildfire.

Those extension services people are busy, aren't they?

Anyway, the workshop is being conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 10-11 in Reno. But, it is being broadcast via video-conference to sites in Carson City, Winnemucca and Las Vegas.

(Could be the biggest thing going that day in Winnemucca.)

The type and amount of landscaping around a home can make the difference between a house that burns and one that doesn't. Workshop participants not only will learn what to plant but also about how a wildfire spreads and how to rehabilitate burned areas and prevent weed invasions.

The seminar's $35 fee includes course materials and refreshments. Those who pass a final written exam receive a certificate. Registration deadline is Feb. 8. Call 257-5572.

Finally, now that we know what to eat, have our exercise and can prevent wildfires from destroying our homes, we have 17 new substances or viruses to avoid.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday released its Report on Carcinogens that says X-rays, compounds found in grilled meats and hepatitus B and C viruses are among new substances known or believed to cause cancer. Check out the report at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov.

Alas, exercise and broccoli are not included.