Local Lovebirds and Lovers of Knowledge Alike Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Brielle

February 16, 2017 | Blog | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

We all know that meal planning is a crucial component of overall health for older adults Learning about the foods that can help promote cardiac health and which foods that are best to avoid is important. “New studies have shown that the risk factors that can lead to heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, physical inactivity and obesity, also contribute to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss and cognitive dysfunction,” says Ralph Sacco, M.D., Chief of Neurology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami and past president of the American Heart Association.

While all of this is true, what some Islanders experienced firsthand this February 14^th is that taking care of one’s heart doesn’t have to mean all-or-nothing thinking, leaving taste at the door or signaling a departure from romance. “As we were planning this program in our series, we decided to surprise attendees with a little something special. After all, to cook for someone is to share not just nourishment but love”, explained The Brielle’s General Manager, Allison Nidetz.

Steve Bauman, Dining Services Director, took what is normally a night infused with romance, turned it into an interactive learning experience and ended it on a sweet note. Instead of simply hearing about ways to introduce flavor into heart-healthy recipes, guests receiving printed recipes and a to-go meal; Bauman and his team engaged the senses with aromas from the kitchen and a true dining experience. On the menu were Allspice Pork Tenderloin with Cinnamon Apples, Grilled Chicken Thighs with Pineapple, Corn and Bell Pepper Relish and Garlic-Roasted Salmon with Brussels Sprouts.

As part of The Brielle’s Second Tuesday Series, Kathy Kelly, the community’s Resident Care Director and RN of 39 years, discussed the role of a healthy diet in successful aging no matter one’s age as she shared helpful hints and a dark chocolate covered strawberry or two. An Islander with deep roots in both Richmondtown and Brooklyn herself, Kelly sat down and discussed lifestyle choices one-on-one as guests broke bread and shared the benefits of making small changes every day to sustain long-term positive changes.

Some takeaways from the night included recommendations from the American Heart Association:

• Replace sugar with spice in recipes – try cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger to add flavor
• Limit added sugars to no more than 100 calories a day (6 teaspoons) for most women and 150 calories a day (9 teaspoons) for most men
• Be aware of “portion distortion” – recommended serving size is often less than you’re used to eating or the portion you are served, especially at restaurants
• The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mgs) daily and an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mgs per day for most adults (That’s just over a ½ teaspoon)

Second Tuesdays at The Brielle is an ongoing educational series on successful aging and aging-related topics. By gathering to learn, share and connect over important issues, the community builds a more informed, more proficient network of support. The Brielle is a leader in assisted living and memory care. The Brielle operates under a unique philosophy that promotes wellness and successful aging and wants to share that knowledge. Better care reaches beyond their campus, through the shared efforts of a community of caregivers. If you would like to reserve your spot for the next presentation in the series, call 888-901-1856 or visit www.TheBrielle.com and mark your calendar for upcoming events. Space is limited and reservations are required.