Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Secretary Michelle Branham, and FIU Hospitality Professor and Chef John Noble Masi hosted a cooking class with Florida seniors.
MIAMI, Fla. — Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, accompanied by State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham, hosted a hands-on healthy cooking class for older Hispanic adults in the Miami-Dade community. The event focused on healthier ways to cook classic Latin meals. Florida International University (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County staff, and community members also participated.
The cooking lesson demonstrated simple techniques to encourage healthy eating and lifestyles. Recipes prepared during the event included Vegetarian Reina Pepiada with Tostones and Whole Orange Cinnamon Bread Pudding. The experience showcased how to prepare food consistent with real-world budgets, time constraints, and nutritional practices so participants can more effectively incorporate nutrition into their daily lives. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly one-half of all deaths due to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes are linked to diet and poor nutrition.
“It was a pleasure to join State Surgeon General Dr. Ladapo and Secretary Branham to encourage Floridians in Miami-Dade County to live healthy lives," said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “As of 2022, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Florida for those that are 65 and older. A nutritious diet can go a long way to improve one’s overall health.”
“Heart-healthy eating is nutritious and fun,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Healthy recipes don’t have to be complicated to be tasty and good for you.”
“What a joy it was to join Lieutenant Governor Nuñez and Dr. Ladapo today for a delicious and educational cooking class,” said Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham.
“I encourage everyone to get a regular health check-up,” said Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County Health Officer Dr. Yesenia Villalta.
“It was great to have the Lieutenant Governor... here at FIU,” said Diann Newman, Vice Dean at FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The Florida Department of Health continues encouraging Floridians to take control of their health by implementing positive changes into their daily routines.
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