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You can pack a healthy lunch Some people missed August’s final brown bag lunch seminar, but those of you who showed up learned valuable information about healthy eating when packing a lunch. Those who didn’t make it to the seminar appear doomed to wallow in their own nutritional wastelands.  Don’t worry, though. As always, the MUSC Wellness Column has you covered.  Even if you don’t have children, these tips can help you. Unless you think you’re too cool.  You’re not too cool to pack a healthy lunch . . . are you?  Get them involved; let your children pick out a new lunchbox, water bottle, thermos, etc. Have your child come with you to the grocery store. Let them pick out new foods, and guide them through healthy alternatives.  Keep in mind that just because you don’t like a food doesn’t mean that your children won’t like it. Your kids may surprise you. Getting them started on a healthy diet early in life can start a life-long trend of smarter dietary decisions. Have your children pack the lunch with you.  Do it the night before to avoid the morning rush. That way, you don’t have to wait around in the morning while little Earl mulls the sandwich quandary that is Turkey vs. Tuna fish. Seriously, just pick one! To build excitement and anticipation, put a non-food item in their lunch on random days. Try adding a special note, stickers, or a cool pencil. The street value of a “Welcome Back, Kotter!” pencil is staggering. (Note: adults may substitute office supplies for their own personal treat—“Cool, a Swingline!”) Do not send extra money with your child when you pack a lunch, unless it’s to buy milk. You may unwittingly encourage a black-market lunchroom deal for Hostess snack cakes and Fruit Roll-Ups. And when a deal goes bad, nobody wins. All drinks should be calorie-free except for milk; substitute whole fruit for juice boxes. Review the school menu with your children, and allow them to decide which days they will eat the school’s lunch instead a homemade version. Taco Tuesday is intensely popular. Chop-suey Thursday? Not so much. Editor's note: The Wellness Column, a column featured in The Catalyst, is presented by the MUSC Employee Wellness Committee. The TEAM MUSC visual highlights a team approach to health and wellness. Its goal is to keep MUSC employees, staff, faculty and students informed about wellness opportunities available as well as provide the latest health and wellness tips.      Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.