Ball State offers a variety of programs and services to assist those wanting to become healthier. Whether you don't know one fat from another, want to lose weight or control the size of your meal portions, there are programs and information available.

Nutritional Counseling 
Starting in October, Family and Consumer Sciences is offering a free nutrition assessment open to Ball State faculty and staff. The Nutrition Assessment Laboratory is a new addition to the dietetics program. This lab, funded by the Lilly Foundation, was established to help people assess their nutrition-related health habits and behaviors and to assist them in making healthier food choices. Assessment services include cholesterol and blood pressure checks, dietary analysis, dietary counseling and more. Beginning in October, drop in during lab hours, which will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Applied Technology Building, room 203. For more information, e-mail cfriesen@bsu.edu.

First Wednesday Nutrition Topics
The first Wednesday of each month, nutrition topics will be discussed. Upcoming sessions include "The Skinny on Fiber," from noon to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Applied Technology Building, room 203. The Nov. 7 meeting will coincide with diabetes month, so the program will be "Keep It in Balance." The program will be from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Applied Technology Building, room 203. No registration is needed

Cardinal TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)
Cardinal TOPS provide a safe, supportive environment to learn about adopting a healthy lifestyle. Members of the organization represent an array of ages and backgrounds with one common goal - taking off pounds sensibly. TOPS offers guest speakers, contests and informative programs. You can even sign up to get an exercise buddy or to participate in group exercise activities. For more information, e-mail cardinaltops@bsu.edu or visit its Web site at www.cardinaltops.org.

TOPS meets from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Mondays at the Pittenger Student Center, room 116. There is a private weigh-in and social time from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Parking is available in the lots that surround the building.

Portion Distortion
Anyone eating on the run or at restaurants probably has noticed food portions have gotten larger. Some portions are called "super size," while others have simply grown to provide enough food for at least two people. With this growth has come an increase in waistlines and body weight.

To see if you know how today's portions compare to the portions available 20 years ago, quiz yourself on "Portion Distortion." You will learn about the amount of physical activity required to burn off the extra calories provided by today's portions. To learn more, check the portion distortion Web site. 

Health Zone
If you frequent one of Ball State's dining facilities, pick up a Health Zone brochure, which can help you make selections based on your particular nutritional needs. This color-coded selection process can help you count calories, minimize fat or find low carbohydrate foods. www.bsu.edu/dining/healthzone/