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News & Events for Health Empowerment // May 24, 2023
FIGHTING THE FIRES OF INFLAMMATION
At the root of all chronic disease is inflammation — but what is it, and how can we control it? This evening, we are thrilled to welcome cardiologist Monica Aggarwal, MD, from the University of Florida Division of Cardiovascular Medicine to our monthly livestream Heart to Healthy Heart: Plant-Based Conversations That Could Save Your Life. Her personal experience fighting the inflammation behind severe rheumatoid arthritis gave her a new perspective on medicine and food which she will share with us tonight.
Dr. Aggarwal and her colleague Jyothi Rao, MD, co-wrote the book Body on Fire: How Inflammation Triggers Chronic Illness and the Tools We Have to Fight It, published in 2020. Here’s a piece of her story (pg. 8):
“I cried when I gave up my pizza. Like most Americans, I also worried about not getting enough calcium and protein in my diet. It took me a lot of self-teaching to understand that so much of our calcium and protein comes from the beans and greens we are eating….
“But now I feel healthier than ever before. My cholesterol is super low. My inflammatory markers are nonexistent, and I take no medications. Soon after that, I did my first triathlon. Six years later, I remain off all medications. I feel great. I have learned to take time for myself. I have learned to laugh more and not worry so much about being late or about climbing a ladder. I thank my body every day for what it has to give me, and I forgive it for what it cannot.”
We're seeking a tech savvy, detail-oriented Program Engagement Coordinator to join our staff team! Areas of responsibility include coordination of community outreach activities, logistics for our 21-Day Plant Powered Jumpstart programs for the community and for partner organizations, and responsibilities in communications related to event publicity, social media content management, and similar tasks. Read more and learn how to apply here.
Volunteer Roles in Our Network
There are many other ways to get involved as part of Plant Powered Metro New York's grassroots network! If you’re passionate about our mission and have a few hours to spend each month or week, there’s a place for you. Contact Sergio Villavicencio, Network Empowerment Manager, to discuss.
If you’re looking for new ideas to take your health to the next level or reduce your risk of chronic illness, look no further than this transformative four-week virtual class. With engaging cooking demonstrations, group support, and educational videos presented by doctors and dietitians teaching about evidence-based nutrition as medicine, Kickstart Your Health offers the tools to master a new approach to food that will help you prevent, treat, and potentially even reverse common health conditions. All participants will receive a guidebook with recipes, and participants are encouraged to follow along with the instructor at home.
This Food for Life class was created by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
South Shore Spring Social Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 - 8:30 PM – Lynbrook, NY Leona & 3 Brothers, 152 Union Avenue $50 advanced payment – register hereby May 31
Join Plant Powered Metro New York on the South Shore of Nassau County for an evening of fine food and fellowship! We’ve arranged for a three-course plant-powered meal at a vegan-friendly Italian restaurant. The fixed price menu includes Rigatoni Alla Norma, your choice of Eggplant Rollatini or Cauliflower Steak, your choice of a slice of cake or fresh fruit bowl, and seltzer. Hosted by Anita Mancini, PPMNY Board Member
Additional drinks or dishes may be purchased separately off the menu. Please note that, while all dishes for our group will be free of animal foods and oils, some dishes will contain salt, and the cake has added sugar.
We’re heading into the heart of Brooklyn for a deep dive into the healing power of plants, especially for people of Christian faith from Black communities. Come together for an inspiring day of learning with Plant Powered Metro New York where we'll explore the evidence and how-to's of whole food, plant-based nutrition. Take home practical tips, try new foods, and set goals that can impact your health and community. Lunch, snacks, and a Father’s Day raffle are included! Sponsored by VegFund and presented in partnership with Pleasant Grove Tabernacle, Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, and Universal Temple of God in Christ.
Our jumpstarters were treated to a marathon demo by Queens-based chef and educator Daniel Shuman, who demonstrated many flavorful ways to use chickpeas, tofu, sweet potatoes, and greens.
Enrica Sacca and Sergio Villavicencio went out to the National Kidney Foundation’s Long Island Kidney Walk at Belmont Lake State Park, talking to walkers and supporters about the power of plant-based nutrition in kidney health.
Chef Carole Levy prepared a no-bake, plant-based cheesecake this Sunday, leading up to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, when dairy is traditionally eaten, as well as a red cabbage and mango salad, and a carrot garam masala soup. Check out the demo replay here.
After attending our Food for Life course on maternal and family health, Karen cooked up a quinoa dish with braised collard greens inspired by what she learned from our instructors. She was thrilled: “[This is] my FIRST time being able to cook the quinoa properly, it’s actually fluffy!”
Taking place in advance of P-POD’s Newark, NJ, hybrid conference this fall, this virtual summit addresses the prevention and reversal of major chronic diseases through multifaceted lifestyle measures and will cover specialized topics including women's health, health equity and disparities, pediatrics, current research on plant-based nutrition, and the Lifestyle Medicine pillars. The keynote duet discussion features Columbus Batiste, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Chief of Cardiology at the Kaiser Permanente Riverside and Moreno Valley Medical Centers; and Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM, board member and Global Sustainability Committee Co-Chair at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Additional expert presentations by:
Brenda Davis, RD; Diabetes Wellness Research Project, Majuro, Marshall Islands
Andrew Freeman, MD FACC FACP; National Jewish Health, Denver CO
Sean Hashmi, MD MS FASN; Southern California Permanente Medical Group
Amber Orman, MD DipABLM; AdventHealth Medical Group
Learn about whole food, plant-powered living, connect, and engage with the National Health Association in their 75th anniversary conference — from the comfort of your home! A virtual ticket gives you access to all sessions livestreaming from the conference in Ohio, virtual activities, a virtual swag bag, prizes, all recordings for up to one year, and other post-conference activities. Please note that 50% of virtual ticket sales at the links above will benefit Plant Powered Metro New York.
Our mailing address: Plant Powered Metro New York, PO Box 20771, New York NY 10025
Plant Powered Metro New York empowers people to find better health and overcome chronic disease through whole food, plant-based nutrition. We offer evidence-based education, resources, and support to create community and inspire change throughout the New York metropolitan area.