Health & Wellness Quarterly Luncheon
Speakers:|
Cassandra Olsen, MS, RD, LD Registered Dietitian - Fueling Families Nutrition, LLC
Kristina Brown, MS, RD, LD Registered Dietitian -Fueling Families Nutrition, LLC
Q&A Responses:
- Supplements are taking over the world. If I take some medications daily (heart issues, high blood) should I be concerned about mixing them?
- It is always advised to check with your physician or pharmacist about medication and supplement interactions as they are very common!
- I keep hearing that nutrition is not taught or barely taught in medical school. Are our physicians truly qualified to advise on supplement use? Are wellness clinics a good route? Sometimes physician led, other times NP led.
- Nutrition is an integral part of the schooling for physicians, as well as, continuing education required yearly for updates for emerging research in all areas of wellness, including nutrition and supplementation. Physicians have an excellent understanding of human physiology so they are qualified to advise on supplements, if they feel comfortable with it as physicians will commonly have specialties. Physicians often refer their patients to dietitians to discuss things like supplementation and diet for more in depth discussion on these topics (many insurances even cover visits with dietitians!).
- Wellness and holistic approaches to medicine are becoming more common and are the best route for some individuals who want a holistic forward approach. A DO credential (doctor of osteopathy) may be more appealing as these medical doctors have a more holistic based education. There is a caution with some of these wellness clinics pushing products sold in house that may raise some concerns about the necessity of an abundance of supplements required to continue care.
- MD, PA and NP’s are all qualified medical professionals that can write prescriptions and make diagnoses.
- Can plastics from clothing become airborne and inhaled?
- Most synthetic fabrics (like polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex) can shed microfibers when they’re worn, washed, or dried. Using a HEPA air filter can help to reduce airborne exposure. Choosing natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, cashmere) will reduce exposure risk.
- What is the best water to drink or use? I'm concerned with over filtering and storage/delivery systems.
- Over filtering would not be a concern (in regards to loss of natural minerals) if one’s diet is balanced and varied. Referring to the EWG water report with recommendations for either Brita (activated charcoal and ion exchange) or reverse osmosis systems to remove impurities from tap water. Bottled water is filtered but that leads us back to plastic use.
- What is the best soil to use in gardens?
- Depends on what is being grown. If the plant is edible choosing a vegetable soil is best (this is listed on the package). Plant containers also matter in ground vs pots vs raised bed will have different soil compositions. These are commonly listed on the bag of soil, as well. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension also offers great gardening resources for Texans.
- What is the risk of microplastics to our health. Have studies been done on this?
- Research is still emerging and ongoing but no conclusive evidence for adverse health risk have been reported at this time. The research is showing that there is a potential risk of microplastic accumulation in the body that may lead to hormonal/endocrine disruption but it is simply a suspicion.
- Where can I read reputable studies and not just rely on what somebody tells me it says?
- Reputable articles should cite their sources at the end with links to easily find the research backing claims. Other good sources would be medical journals, PubMed, NIH but with all research look for funding sources, conflict of interest claims and peer reviewed articles. Meta analysis articles are often times great research to look at as they examine a large number of different studies on the same topic to draw conclusions and provide repeatability.
- What should I wash my fruits and veggies in?
- The USDA recommends rinsing produce with cold water. If you want to do more, add some baking soda to the water and soak produce with gentle agitation for 5-10min.
- How dangerous is detox by enema?
- Very dangerous. Do not do it unless medical advised.
- What is the best choice for chicken? Free range, with antibiotic or without?
- This comes down to ethics and cost. The USDA mandates a withdrawal of antibiotic use at a specific time frame before processing to ensure antibiotics are not present in the meat sold.
- What's the best fish to buy? Wild caught or farm raised?
- Farm-Raised are often higher in fat (including omega-3s) because of controlled feeding, while wild-caught are typically leaner, with slightly fewer calories but higher nutrient density per ounce (more minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium). Farm-Raised are usually milder flavor and a softer texture (due to higher fat content) while wild-caught have a stronger, more distinctive flavor and firmer texture. Look for eco-labels like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for wild seafood or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) for farmed. These certifications help ensure responsible practices.
- What are your thoughts on Ivermectin for cancer treatment?
- This is not a FDA approved treatment. Please work with an oncologist for cancer treatment options.
- I'm 85 years old, and I lost 25 pounds over the last two years. Need to lose another 25 pounds. How can I do it?
- Congrats on the change you have made! While lifestyle habits like nutrition, hydration, sleep hygiene, stress management and physical activity are key to healthy weight management specific changes to make should be provided by your health care providers as they know the specifics of your current habits, medical history, medication side effects and lab work. Ideal body weight is a guide but your specific goal weight might look different especially when looking at body composition (high muscle mass, lower visceral fat).
- Should someone listen to RFK or Doctor. Oz for supplement advice?
- While you can learn about various supplements and potential health benefits you should always consult with your healthcare professional who knows your medical history, current supplementation and medication regimen, lifestyle habits and blood work before starting any over the counter supplements.
- Are meal delivery services like HelloFresh a safe option when it comes to food safety?
- There is a wide variety of meal delivery companies out there these days. Choosing ones that are regulated by the FDA will ensure quality and food safety standards are met. Make sure you are receiving your boxes and immediately putting them into refrigeration as directed. Local food delivery systems you find on social media may not be regulated and coming from someone’s home kitchen that would not be held to the same food safety standards the FDA would inspect. Those would be advised to avoid.
- Does Fueling Families Nutrition offer individual consultations? In these consultations, will we specifically address nutritional needs for diabetics?
- Yes we do! Please visit out website to schedule an appointment with us – www.nadnutrition.com. Our contact page has direct booking links for both dietitians.
- Who is the best person to consult regarding supplement and medication interactions?
- Pharmacist and doctors will understand drug and supplement interactions. You can ask your local pharmacist about these questions!! They are very helpful resources!
Date and Time
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
11:00 am: Check In & Networking
11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch and Program
Time after to visit with vendors present
Location
Lone Star College-Tomball;
Beckendorf Conference Center
30555 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, TX 77375
Fees/Admission
No Cost To Attend
Free Community Event
Contact Information
281.351.7222
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