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How ‘heart health’ cooking sessions are changing women’s lives
The British Heart Foundation is funding cooking sessions in Doncaster to help women aged 40 to 74 who may be at risk of cardiovascular problems improve their diet and lifestyle. The programme matters because the area faces high deprivation and low healthy life expectancy, and organisers hope early support can reduce future illness and pressure on the NHS.
The 12-week course, launched earlier this year, combines cooking with nutrition and exercise sessions; participants are referred by their GPs. In a library kitchen, instructor Amy Gallagher demonstrates affordable meals, including fish curry made with frozen fish and reduced-fat coconut milk, while sharing tips on cooking and storing leftovers. One participant, 61-year-old Kath Purdie, has Type 2 diabetes and is trying to reduce fatty foods; 51-year-old Amanda Mikaoauskas says she now uses more spices and eats nuts and seeds.
In short
- Doncaster cooking sessions support women at risk of heart problems.
- The 12-week programme covers food, nutrition and exercise.
- Organisers hope prevention will reduce future illness and NHS pressure.
Explained simply
Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and blood vessels, and risk can be linked to factors such as diet, physical activity and conditions including Type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating advice can be difficult to follow when time or money is limited, so practical cooking skills and affordable ingredients may help people make changes.
The British Heart Foundation funds the Doncaster course for women aged 40 to 74 who may be at risk of heart and circulatory problems. It brings together cooking, nutrition and exercise, with participants referred by their GPs.
Doncaster has high levels of deprivation and lower healthy life expectancy than many areas. Organisers hope that offering support before serious illness develops could improve health over time and reduce future demand on the NHS.