CANANDAIGUA – Thompson Health’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department and The New York Wine & Culinary Center (NYWCC) are teaming up to offer a series of cooking classes for those who have experienced a cardiac event and are eager to enjoy healthy food that is neither bland nor boring.
“It is exciting to see the partnership between Thompson Health and NYWCC further develop to provide this program for our community,” said Michael F. Stapleton, Jr., president and CEO, Thompson Health. “This collaborative effort will greatly benefit cardiac rehab patients and our community. We are lucky to have found such great supporters in Ellie and Jim Fralick, Constellation Brands, Wegmans Food Markets, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, who have underwritten this series to offset much of the cost of the classes.”
Beginning April 10, “Discovering DASH for Healthy Hearts,” a four-class series, will be held at the NYWCC, 800 S. Main St. in Canandaigua. The series was created by Chef Jeff Christiano, a member of the NYWCC educational department, and focuses on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet.
“The DASH Diet emphasizes portion size, eating a variety of foods and getting the right amount of nutrients,” says Christiano. “It’s a lifelong approach to healthy eating that’s designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure, and we’re very excited to have people who are focused on taking care of their hearts come and see, taste and create for them self.”
The classes in this joint Thompson Health/NYWCC series have been graciously underwritten by Jim and Ellie Fralick, Constellation Brands, Wegmans Food Markets and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), so patients can participate for $10 per person per class, instead of the regular retail price of $75 per person per class.
Participants may choose to sign up for individual classes, or for the entire four-part series. Dates and topics are as follows:
· Thursday, April 10, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., “Introduction to Heart-Healthy Eating” This class will feature demonstrations by Chef Christiano of an assortment of recipes and tastings offered.
· Thursday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., “Hands-on Cooking” Walk through simple, healthy recipes in the Hands-On Kitchen with a NYWCC chef.
· Thursday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., “Creating and Using a DASH Pantry” In the Hands-On Kitchen, learn how to shop while on the DASH diet and how to create delicious meals with what you already have on hand with a NYWCC chef.
· Thursday, Sept. 11, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., “10 Principles for Healthy Cooking” Participants will pull together all they have learned and feel confident using the DASH Diet in the “real world,” not only at home but at restaurants and gatherings.
“These classes are targeted specifically toward members of the American Heart Association’s Mended Hearts support groups in both Canandaigua and in Rochester, as well as cardiac rehab patients, at Thompson Hospital and elsewhere,” says Marie Rusaw, director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Thompson, noting those who cook for these individuals are strongly encouraged to attend.
Registration is required and space is limited. To sign up for a class, call Thompson Health’s Wellness Department at (585) 396-6111. Payment may be made via MasterCard, Visa, Discover a check or cash. In return for each $10 class fee, participants will receive a $5 coupon good toward a meal at the NYWCC’s restaurant, the Upstairs Bistro.