UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company is hosting “The Healing Power of Hispanic Food,” a community health and wellness event in New York City designed to encourage Hispanics ages 60 and above, as well as other Medicare beneficiaries, to plan for healthy living.

Attendees will learn about science-backed nutritional and healing benefits of some traditional Hispanic foods and enjoy a live cooking demonstration with practical tips for healthy eating habits. In addition, they will participate in interactive and educational sessions covering the basics of Medicare, including eligibility requirements and enrollment windows, to help them make informed healthcare coverage decisions.

The Healing Power of Hispanic Food event will feature expert voices to motivate and engage attendees:

Renowned nutritionist Sylvia Meléndez Klinger DBA, MS, RDN, LDN, CPT, will share insights on the healing properties of popular Hispanic foods and the importance of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic illness. Sylvia Meléndez Klinger PhD is a renowned dietitian, nutritionist, and author with a passion for empowering communities through food. As the founder of Hispanic Food Communications, she leverages her expertise in cross-cultural Hispanic nutrition and health to promote wellness worldwide.

Chef Lizzeth Martinez will lead the cooking demonstration, illustrating how to incorporate food as medicine into daily life, leaving attendees with actionable tips and techniques. Lizzeth Martinez is the Chef and Co-Owner of Naco Mexican Eatery. Hailing from Laredo, Martinez co-founded Naco with her husband Francisco Estrada, priding themselves in using natural, fresh ingredients and family recipes with a healthy twist. She was also a finalist for the national “Favorite Chef” competition and has been featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles.

UnitedHealthcare’s Dana Parra-Stanglmaier will facilitate the Medicare education portion of the events. As a Mexican native, Dana works passionately to help Hispanics gain a clearer understanding of Medicare and take control of their healthcare through education.

Two in-person events will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., at Terrace on the Park Regency Ballroom 52-11 111th St., Queens, NY 11368. Registration will begin 30 minutes before the start of each event. Complimentary parking will be offered at the venue.

The events are open to the public and there is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please visit haymasadelante.com.