Jan. 18, 2006

Photos and Graphics Click for larger images

DALLAS – Dallas County residents who participate in Texas Cooperative Extension's "Wellness in the City" program have a new family and consumer sciences agent to assist them.

Donna Rodriguez will provide information on health and nutrition, worksite wellness, and diabetes education and nutrition from the Extension office on Marsh Lane and through seminars held throughout Dallas County.

Rodriguez previously worked for the American Cancer Society as program manager for community outreach. She coordinated programs on breast and prostate cancer, nutrition and physical activity for underserved populations.

In the "Wellness in the City" program, Rodriguez and volunteers will be working with schools and teachers, adults in the workplace and seniors diagnosed with diabetes.

"The volunteers we work with will be from all backgrounds, education and career experiences," Rodriguez said. "What I like about this wellness program is that there is a diverse group of volunteers and the opportunity to reach out to different segments of the community.

"I'm really excited because it gives me the opportunity to work in the community, providing education on important health topics such as nutrition, wellness and physical activity," she added.

Rodriguez graduated from the University of Texas in Austin in 1998 with a degree in kinesiology. In May, she will complete work on a master's degree in public health from the University of North Texas Science Center in Fort Worth. She is also a registered massage therapist.

Rodriguez is originally from New Braunfels.