Gwen and Roy Hoertz, Janelle Henning, MD and Amy Jamieson-Petonic.

Lakewood Hospital partnered with Maria’s Italian Restaurant (previously Maria’s Roman Room), 11822 Detroit Avenue, in Lakewood, to promote heart-healthy eating and portion-control through its second serving of Flavors of Health. Flavors of Health took place on Thursday, July 24 and offered registered dinner guests a delicious meal comprised entirely from natural, organic and healthy food products. The event was sold out, with extra guests dining on the patio to make room for all.

“Poor eating habits can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease and obesity,” says Jack Gustin, president of Lakewood Hospital. “Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer and obesity is now recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. As one of the area’s leading health care organizations, it is our job to do what we can to educate and empower the community to make healthier lifestyle decisions. Flavors of Health is a unique event to do just that!” This is the second time Lakewood Hospital has partnered with a local restaurant to offer Flavors of Health; the first healthy dining event was held at Players on Madison in February.

For the first course of Flavors of Health, Janelle Henning, M.D., a family medicine physician from Lakewood Medical Associates, Rockport, provided guests with important tips on how to naturally lower their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; potentially avoiding medications. While she spoke, guests enjoyed a small portion of walnuts and ice water before starting into the Mediterranean Salad, which was served with a whole-grain dinner roll and oil, as opposed to butter.

Cleveland Clinic Dietitian Amy Jamieson-Petonic, MEd, R.D., L.D., then discussed the nutritional benefits of a Mediterranean diet as well as the importance of portion control while guests enjoyed their main entrée – their choice of Salmon Tarragon or Chicken Romano, served with fresh broccoli and whole grain pasta topped with Maria’s Italian Restaurant’s famous marinara sauce. The centerpieces doubled as the dessert; a small serving of European chocolate and fresh strawberries.

Diners were provided with take-home menus of the night’s dinner, a “healthy-eating food pyramid” and their very own copy of Dr. Henning’s “5 Keys to a Healthier Meal,” which can be referenced with every meal from breakfast to dinner.

“Maria’s Italian Restaurant is well known for its tasty, homemade sauces and salad dressings, which are made here every day,” says Maria’s new owner Gwen Dillingham-Hoertz. “We like to purchase our food from local vendors such as Ohio City Pasta and K&K Meats. It’s important to us to support our community and make certain that items on our menu are always fresh. We were excited to work with Lakewood Hospital to offer our dinner guests a healthy meal in such a fun and appetizing way.”

As requested by attendees at the first two Flavors of Health, there will be more to come in the future. Stay current with Lakewood Hospital events, such as Flavors of Health, by visiting lakewoodhospital.org.