Chef Iraka offers free nutrition classes as part of DBCC’s Yes2Health program
Chronic disease diagnoses are on the rise around the world, and Delaware is no exception. According to the Delaware Department of Public Health, more than one-third of the state’s population suffers from high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. More than 6 percent of Delawareans have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or chronic bronchitis, and more than 7 percent have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Almost 30% of adults in the state have been diagnosed with arthritis. When you add to these numbers the statistics for skin, breast, lung, and other cancers, the statistics can become frightening.
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC) is working to significantly lower these statistics, and one of its programs, Yes2Health, not only reduces the risk of breast cancer, but also reduces the risk of other chronic diseases. We promote healthy lifestyle groups and events. Many of them are related to breast cancer. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as unbalanced eating habits and lack of exercise. By joining us for free this month, DBCC wants to empower our community to make healthy changes for a happier, healthier new year.
“Our Yes2Health program offers interactive classes focused on nutrition, fitness, health and wellness,” said Survivorship Director Connie Holdridge. “One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, make healthy choices, and become more active. The Yes2Health program is designed to help anyone achieve these goals. I am.”
Yes2Health is open to anyone, not just those diagnosed with breast cancer. A wide range of programs are available, some offered virtually and others in-person. In 2024, Yes2Health plans to offer new health education groups, including virtual guided groups and self-guided groups. The New Year Group will hold virtual meetings on Tuesdays from January 16th to March 19th from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Virtual meetings will also be held on Thursdays from January 18th through November. From 7pm to 7:30pm on the 21st. A DIY self-guided option is also available from January 15th to March 18th. Registration can be done at https://debreastcancer.org/programs/yes2health/.
“When you register for one of our programs, you will receive a Zoom link along with the materials for the program,” Holdridge said. “This is a fun way to learn about health and gain new skills while connecting with people who are just starting their journey to a healthier lifestyle.”
For those interested in learning more about nutrition and how food can improve your health, Yes2Health also offers interactive online cooking classes. Each session will explore new cooking skills as participants prepare new recipes. Classes are taught by Chef Dee Iraka, founder of Eat Well Chef, Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Professional Chef. Classes will be held virtually from 5:30 to 6:45 on January 16, February 6, February 20, March 5, and March 19.
“Participants will create recipes that not only taste good, but are good for you,” Holdridge said. “Recipes include Bison Chipotle and Black Bean Chili, Healthy Breakfast Burritos, Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders, and more. This is a great way to impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality meal. , you don’t even have to tell them it’s healthy.”
In addition to interactive cooking classes, Yes2Health also offers an active cooking series. After registering, participants will receive a helpful cookbook. Once a month, from 5-6:30pm on January 24th, February 28th, and March 37th, they will meet virtually to share tips, review cookbook recipes, and learn from chefs. I talk about nutrition with Iraka. One-on-one nutrition counseling is also available for breast cancer survivors who need nutritional support.
“One-on-one nutrition counseling is targeted at breast cancer survivors diagnosed within the past five years,” Holdridge said. “A staff member will need to introduce them and they will need to be able to join the Zoom meeting. This program is designed to help people who may be dealing with nutritional issues during or after treatment. Space is limited to 31 participants and requests can be sent to: [email protected]”
DBCC’s mission is to empower communities by raising awareness of breast cancer issues and increasing access to care through outreach, education, and support services to improve early detection and treatment. Through its Yes2Health program, DBCC wants to reduce breast cancer diagnoses by helping men and women live healthier, more active lifestyles. For more information, please visit https://debreastcancer.org.
