Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Speaker to focus on food choices

Anissa Johnson, a medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, will speak Thursday about the importance of a well-balanced diet and healthy living.


“As we all know, what we eat has a direct impact on our overall health and well-being,” she said. “A well-balanced diet can provide us with the nutrients we need to maintain good health, boost our energy levels, and even help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.


“On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can lead to a host of health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels,” Johnson said.


“To help you make the most of your diet, I will be discussing the different food groups, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.”


She said, “I also will talk about the risks and benefits of consuming too much of these food groups and provide strategies on how to make healthier food choices. In addition to diet, there are many other healthy living choices that can help support our overall well-being.


“I also will be discussing these choices, including regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and more. So, whether you're looking to improve your overall health, prevent chronic diseases, or simply feel your best, this presentation has something for everyone,” she said


Johnson is an aspiring physician with a passion for internal medicine, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.


Born and raised in Valencia, Calif., she has had a longtime interest in science and medicine, which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Premedical Sciences at Hofstra University.


During her undergraduate studies, she gained experience volunteering at local hospitals, which solidified her interest in a career in medicine.


After graduating, she continued to pursue her dream by enrolling in Burrell College. Her interest in internal medicine grew during rotations, where she found the complex and challenging nature of the specialty particularly rewarding.


Additionally, she dedicated time outside of her studies to learn more about nutrition and its impact on health, developing a strong interest in nutrition and its role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases.