Birches Celebrates American Heart Month with Heart Smart Eating Presentation

Clarendon Hills, IL, February 24, 2016 --(PR.com)-- On February 18, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills, Ill. celebrated American Heart Month with a presentation on heart healthy eating from dietitian Linda Graham.

Heart disease is one of the leading cause of death in the United States, and, according to Graham, February is the perfect time to take preventative action.

“In February, you have Valentine’s Day, which is focused on the heart, and then of course it’s American Heart Month, which is all about encouraging people to adopt more heart-healthy behaviors,” said Graham.

Graham says adopting a healthy diet is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy heart. She recommends a diet heavy in dark green and yellow vegetables, antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and healthy fats like olive oil. She also recommends reducing salt and sugar intake, but she does allow for one indulgence: dark chocolate.

Graham’s dietary recommendations are inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating mostly plant-based foods, consuming healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts, using herbs and spices in place of salt, eating fish and poultry and limiting red meat intake. The diet also promotes drinking red wine in moderation and remaining physically active.

Thanks to advice from Graham and the nutrition knowledge of Birches’ Dining Services Director Diana Subacius, residents at The Birches are already consuming a diet high in heart healthy foods. But Graham says it’s still good to remind them why healthy eating is important so they can continue making heart healthy decisions.

“The Birches is already offering food that’s healthy,” said Graham. “They cook with olive oil and provide a lot of heart-healthy seafood and vegetables. But hearing how this type of eating can impact your health can be really motivational for people and encourage them to stick to a healthy diet.”

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills offers professional services to support the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the older adults who make it their home. The Birches offers purposeful programming and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.