UPMC, The GIANT Company team up to provide heart-healthy recipes ahead of Sunday’s big game

“Cooking with a Cardiologist” event demonstrates heart healthy eating tips

February 8, 2024

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. hosted the “Cooking with a Cardiologist” event where participants learned to prepare and sampled heart-healthy game day recipes including Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad Stuffed Cucumber Boats, Quick Beef and Veggie Chili, and a special 7 Layer Dip Cup.

Michael Bosak, MD, and Ashley Zinda, DO, both cardiologists with UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, and Shanna Shultz, RD, LDN, dietitian from The GIANT Company, paired the cooking demonstration with nutrition tips and new ingredients to try in the kitchen.

A consistent partner of the program for nearly fifteen years, The GIANT Company provided the recipes, dietetic guidance and ingredients for the event.

The interactive event with nearly 40 in person and 70 virtual participants, was held at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Outpatient Center in Mechanicsburg, Pa., the largest heart and vascular outpatient facility in central Pennsylvania.

Diet plays a crucial role in the development of heart disease as certain foods can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. For instance, risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, and a diet rich in saturated fats. One way to lower the risk of heart disease is to follow a diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fiber.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it's preventable. According to the American Heart Association’s recent statistical report, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for 100 years. The report also states approximately every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. will have a heart attack and on average and someone dies of CVD every 33 seconds in the U.S. Chronic disease management care, including for heart disease, is a consistent “significant health need” in central Pennsylvania, according to UPMC’s Community Health Needs Assessments.

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is the largest integrated adult and pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery program in Pennsylvania. With more than 60 locations in three states, the expertise of UPMC is available to patients close to home.

To identify and treat heart disease early, it's crucial to get your heart checked. UPMC has digital resources, heart health webinars, and opportunities for in-person and virtual consultations with experts.

For more information on the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute services in Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/CentralPaHeart.