By Karima Harrison
The Scene staff
It turns out that being healthy and funny is not mutually exclusive.
Health educator Vicki Calmese gave a talk called “Healthlarious” to Forest Park students who crowded in the Highlander Lounge, promoting the old adage that “laughter is the best medicine.”
She stressed the idea that people can improve their health through knowledge, nutrition, a positive outlook and laughter.
“You have to be a ‘you-ologist,’” she said. “You have to learn about you.”
Calmese has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years. She laughed during her talk and joked about not understanding with technology as she quickly clicked through a PowerPoint presentation.
Calmese described food as fuel for the body, displaying images ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to junk food.
She used the word FOOD as an acronym to encourage healthy eating with “F” for fruits and vegetables, “O” for organic lean products, “O” for Omega 3 fatty acids and “D” for drinking more water.
“It was eye-opening,” said general studies student Lamesha Tankins, 21, who attended the talk. “I learned a lot of things I did not know. I learned how to pick food when I go shopping.”
Calmese used another acronym, CRAP, to help people determine what to avoid with “C” for carbonated drinks, “R” for refined foods, “A” for artificial sweetners and colors and “P” for processed foods.
“I thought (the talk) was great,” said nursing student Norma Jean Parker, 51. “She did a very good job teaching about health and what to do with our bodies. She taught us how to be happy and humorous and take care of ourselves.”
Calmese also answered questions from the crowd and ended with a reminder for people to take care of their bodies and laugh often.
“Remember, what you do now will impact you later,” she said.