Heart health begins with everyday choices, and nutrition plays a central role in prevention.
To make that connection tangible, VA Providence continued its 2026 Go Red for Women’s Heart Health Initiative with a hands-on nutrition event held in the Nutrition Department’s kitchen classroom.
The Go Red session provided Women Veterans with a structured, interactive learning environment focused on realistic, sustainable approaches to heart-healthy eating. Participants learned cooking techniques, ingredient substitutions and meal-planning strategies designed to reduce cardiovascular risk while remaining achievable at home.
Clinical dietitian Lily Curreri organized and led the session, emphasizing confidence and skill-building over restriction. The discussion focused on small changes—such as reducing sodium, choosing healthier fats and planning balanced meals—that can have a meaningful impact on heart health over time.
“Heart-healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated,” Curreri said. “This class was about giving Women Veterans tools they can actually use in their own kitchens.”
Participants asked questions, shared experiences and discussed common challenges related to cooking, time and budget. The kitchen classroom setting allowed Veterans to engage more deeply with the material, reinforcing learning through demonstration and dialogue.
The event highlighted the strong connection between nutrition and overall well-being, aligning with Whole Health principles that support prevention, empowerment and self-care. By focusing on education that translates directly into daily habits, the session encouraged Women Veterans to take an active role in their heart health.
