Lifestyle medicine for health, vitality, and living life to its fullest
The Center for Healthy Living features a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen to help enhance quality of life for Connecticut residents, and take the mystery out of healthy eating. As a community hospital and accountable care organization, it’s important for the teaching kitchen to reach the people who need it most. Griffin Hospital spearheads a community health needs assessment and improvement plan with other community partners and has enduring relationships with community based organizations that address health and racial inequities in the area. They actively screen patients for social determinants of health and make the appropriate referrals to community agencies. The teaching kitchen also livestreams events that are broadcasted to vulnerable communities.
Healthy eating is also an important part of managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The Center provides in-depth education on how people can take control of their chronic condition and dramatically improve their quality of life. Their focus is not only on helping people get well, but also keeping people healthy. Staff and healthcare providers also benefit from a lifestyle medicine approach to promote overall health and wellbeing and how to apply it to the people in their care. The teaching kitchen is the Center for Healthy Living’s arm focused on promoting healthy eating through a combination of nutrition knowledge and culinary skills.