Did you know that 80 percent of chronic diseases are directly attributable to lifestyle choices? And that our food choices can even help fend off dementia?

These are some of the interesting topics that will be shared when Dr. Patricia Phillips hosts a 90-minute class at the Community Center on June 24 at 11 a.m.

The class is called “Better nutrition for better brain health” and will help those attending learn how memory and mood and certain chronic diseases can improve by making better food choices. For example, Dr. Phillips explains that diet can help those suffering from dementia if sugars and saturated fats are reduced.

According to Dr. Phillips, eating nutritional foods doesn’t mean suffering through a dry, unappealing meal. “This class is where good taste meets good health,” she explained. “It will be fun and interactive and we will all help prepare and sample healthy, tasty dishes.”

Dr. Phillips is a board certified family physician in Yarmouth, Maine who is currently in the nutrition certification program at Tulane University. She has seen the effects of nutrition on diseases like arthritis, hypertension and dementia. 

“There are foods that heal and foods that destroy our health,” she says.  “Every meal is a decision we make: is it nourishing or harming my body?”

She explains that good nutrition doesn’t require a trip to a special food store, but can come from foods that are commonly found in the grocery store.  In her medical practice she said she has seen patients reduce and eliminate their medications through the use of nutrition and exercise. “And it’s never too late to start,” she adds.

The class is an invitation to come and help prepare and sample healthy, tasty dishes. No previous cooking experience is required.  Those interested may call the Community Center at 633-9876 for more information.