Focus for seniors is eating right to remain healthy BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer HOWELL - "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is the old adage that seems to ring true, especially for older individuals who want to remain healthy. Howell seniors took this to heart as they listened to a lecture on "Making the Right Food Choices for a Healthier Future." The lecture was held at the Howell Township Senior Citizens Center. Diane West, a registered dietitian and nutritionist from Interfaith Neighbors, a nonprofit corporation based in Asbury Park, presented the seniors with tips on how to maintain a balanced diet for a longer life. "I am most concerned with making sure seniors are eating correctly, not overeating or undereating," she said. West makes regular visits to senior centers throughout Monmouth County to give lectures and make certain that seniors are eating what they need to in order to remain healthy. She is charged with looking over the menu at each senior center to ensure it is nutritionally sound for people age 55 and over. West said she wants seniors to make better food choices. "The choices you make can actually improve your health," West told those in attendance. "It has been proven that seniors are living longer. You want to live healthy as you live longer." Howell resident Marge Blume said West's lecture reiterated what she already practices in regard to her diet. "The lecture was very reinforcing. For quite some time I have been living a healthier lifestyle," Blume said. "I find that when I eat more vegetables and less meat I feel better." Christine Bruno of Howell found the lecture enlightening. She said she learned about the type of foods that will give her the vitamins her body needs. After the presentation the seniors received what Inez Negan, an employee with Interfaith Neighbors, called a well-balanced meal. The meal consisted of turkey, potato salad, cole slaw, fruit salad, milk, bread, juice, lettuce and two slices of bread. According to Marie Beres, the Inter-faith Neighbors site manager, "Interfaith Neighbors is a federally funded nutrition program. Although we use the space from the senior center we are a separate entity. We serve approximately 40 meals a day and run a Meals On Wheels program for seniors who are homebound." The next lecture scheduled on the senior center's agenda will be held on July 24 at 11 a.m. The topic will be "What Do I Need to Manage My Blood Pressure?" The senior center is at 251 Preventorium Road, in the Howell municipal complex. The telephone number is (732) 938-4500, ext. 2550. The nutrition program may be reached at (732) 938-4937. The senior citizens center offers programs and services to senior citizens of Howell age 60 and older. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The building is handicapped accessible. Lunch is served daily, usually at noon.