Creek County Literacy Program Announces Heart Healthy Quick Meals Workshop
Free Class Designed to Help Busy People Prepare Heart Healthy Quick Meals
Today, Creek County Literacy Program announced the launch of a community education program designed to help busy people prepare heart healthy quick meals. This informational workshop is presented by Marie Gibbs, a nutrition education assistant with the Creek County/OSU Extension.
Gibbs’ workshop will cover several aspects of preparing heart healthy meals. Her live cooking demonstration will provide an easy, heart healthy recipe. She will discuss foods and recipes for a strong healthy heart, review foods that can get you off to a great start, as well as foods that may increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Creek County Literacy Program and Creek County/OSU Extension have joined together to bring The Heart Healthy Quick Meals Workshop to Creek County. This workshop will be held at the Library Annex, 15 North Poplar Street in Sapulpa on Thursday, February 20, 5:30pm to 6:30pm. The presentation is free of charge. The dishes Gibbs prepares will be available to sample. There will be recipes, door prizes and free books for participants.
“Heart disease is still the number one cause of death in the United States affecting men and women alike. The good news is advanced health care and lifestyle changes can decrease risk factors for heart disease,” shared Gibbs.
“Small steps make a big difference for heart health. When we plan simple meals, usually our families are eating healthier, with more vegetables and fruits, smaller portions of protein and whole grains and fat free or low fat dairy products,” she added. “Balancing your calories with increased activity helps promote a healthy weight. It is as simple as walking more often, taking the stairs or parking further away.”
“The free class is very timely as February is American Heart Health Month,” added Melissa Struttmann, Executive Director of Creek County Literacy Program. “We’re glad to have Marie back – participants always enjoy her Question and Answer sessions – she’s very knowledgeable and a great source of information. Come join us to sample heart healthy foods and tips to prepare simple meals!”
17% of adults in Creek County 18 years or older do not have a high school diploma, and 4% of adults in Creek County 18 years or older do not have a 9th grade education. More than 400,000 Oklahoma adults are functionally illiterate. The Mission of the Creek County Literacy Program is to encourage, educate and equip aspiring readers to overcome the barriers of illiteracy.
This free event is a health literacy outreach project of Creek County Literacy Program, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, with funding provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information or to register, call 918-224-9647 or email info@creekliteracy.org.