Program Impact

Program Highlights

• Evidence-based nutrition education
• Heart-healthy lifestyle support
• Community workshops & demonstrations
• Budget-friendly meal strategies
• Chronic disease prevention support

Contact Us:

2022 St. Bernard Ave, Rm 229
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 503-1108

Questions/Comments?

Contact: Emelia Clement, PhD
Email: eclement@agcenter.lsu.edu
Facebook: @GeauxHealthyOrleans

Program Introduction

Welcome to Flavors of Health

Flavors of Health is a community-focused nutrition and health education program offered through the LSU AgCenter that empowers individuals and families to make healthier food and fitness choices. The program uses the latest science and evidence-based practices to help participants live healthier lives and prevent chronic disease by combining Louisiana’s unique food traditions with practical nutrition and well-being guidance.

Through both virtual and in-person classes, workshops, presentations, and educational materials, Flavors of Health teaches skills such as cooking, grocery shopping strategies, healthy habit development, small goal setting, physical activity guidance, diet-disease connections, and more.

Heart Health After Baby

By: Hannah Toups, Dietetic Intern

Why Postpartum Heart Health Matters

Many women assume that once pregnancy is over, their health concerns are over too, but the postpartum period plays an important role in long-term heart health. The first year after delivery is a key time for monitoring, prevention, and building healthy habits that support the heart.

Who May Be at Higher Risk

Certain pregnancy-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes, can increase the risk of heart disease later in life. These conditions are not predictors, but early warning signs that allow women and healthcare providers to take steps toward prevention. Because blood pressure and other risk factors may remain elevated after delivery, even without noticeable symptoms, routine follow-up and monitoring are important.

What Women Can Do

Lifestyle habits make a difference. Balanced meals, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep all support heart health during the postpartum period and beyond. You do not need to make drastic changes; small, consistent steps, such as scheduling a follow-up visit, taking short walks, or improving one meal at a time, can help protect your heart for the future.

Sources

• Peripartum Cardiomyopathy | American Heart Association
• Interventions to Mitigate Risk of Cardiovascular Disease After Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
• Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk After Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Recipe Spotlight: Tuna Casserole

A simple, budget-friendly, protein-packed family meal

Ingredients

• 1 can low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup low-fat or fat-free milk
• 2 Tbsp pimentos (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 2 cans tuna packed in water, drained
• 2 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained
• ¼ tsp salt-free Creole seasoning
• 2 Tbsp plain dry bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp melted margarine

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, stir together the soup, milk, pimentos, peas and carrots, tuna, and noodles.
3. Season the mixture with Creole seasoning.
4. Bake the tuna mixture for 20 minutes or until hot.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs and melted margarine.
6. Take the dish out of the oven and stir.
7. Top with bread crumb mixture and bake for another 5 minutes.