“Docs in the Kitchen” UofA/Hacienda at the River, Public Cooking Event

UArizona Leading Doctors and The Hacienda at the River, Executive Chef, David Sullivan to Team at “Docs in the Kitchen” Healthy Cooking Demonstration Event

Get Cooking, “Low-Sodium” with 4 Leading U of A Doctors, One of Food Network Fame and The Hacienda at the River, Executive Chef

“Docs in the Kitchen” Public Benefit Event
Saturday, September 30th, 4 to 6PM at The Hacienda at the River, Senior Living Community, Tucson

After the success of its first series event in June, ‘Docs in the Kitchen’ returns to The Hacienda at the River, September 30th. This time the docs and The Hacienda at the River, Executive Chef, David Sullivan will tackle low-sodium diets. Attendees will learn how to use cooking techniques along with savory spices to keep dishes flavorful.

Along with Chef Sullivan, Dr. Amy Sussman, professor, Nephrology Fellowship Program director and vice chair for education at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine, is joining Drs. Juanita Merchant, Mindy Fain, and David Lieberman at the event. Sussman said, “lifestyle and diet changes are critical for a person’s health and longevity. Low-sodium diets have many benefits for people with kidney disorders, high blood pressure and heart disease. Understanding how to enjoy food by changing a person’s palate, using lower sodium foods and bringing out the flavor of food with spices enhances healthy outcomes.” The doctors, with Chef Sullivan, will demonstrate how to prepare a delicious low-sodium meal. After the demonstration, attendees will be treated to a healthy – and delicious – four-course dinner.

This event series in partnership with Watermark’s The Hacienda at the River, is the brainchild of Dr. Juanita Merchant, Chief of the Gastroenterology & Hepatology division in the UArizona College of Medicine. Merchant said, “interactive events like this help people embrace healthy eating. We cook with our patients. It brings people’s anxiety level down. They get to taste the food and understand why it’s important.” Drs. Mindy Fain and David Lieberman will join Dr. Merchant and Dr. Sussman at the event with Chef Sullivan. Dr. Fain is the Chief of UArizona’s General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, as well as the co-director of the UArizona Center on Aging. Dr. Lieberman is an assistant professor of Geriatrics and a general internist, as well as a cookbook author. Prior to attending medical school, Lieberman hosted the Food Network series ‘Good Deal with Dave Lieberman.’

The Hacienda at the River’s Executive Chef David Sullivan said that “too often people numb their pallets with salt. Reaching for the saltshaker is a habit and, like any habit, it is difficult to break. The good news is there are so many other flavors to explore and enjoy. It’s just a matter of finding them.”

At the event, Chef Sullivan and the doctors will prepare a meal that includes a carrot ginger soup, apple cranberry walnut salad, grilled marinated beefsteak, followed by a dessert of blueberry lemon pound cake.

Lisa Terry-Jones, membership director for Watermark’s The Hacienda at the River said, “We’re pleased to invite our members and the public to attend these fun educational events. I mean, what other opportunity will you have to chat nutrition with 4 leading doctors and an executive chef!”

The September 30th event takes place 4-to-6 p.m. at The Hacienda at the River, senior living community, 2720 E River Road. Seating is limited to 30 and tickets are required for admission. Tickets are $100, $70 of which qualifies as a tax-deductible donation to the University of Arizona Foundation. To RSVP, call (520) 485-1060

About Watermark Retirement Communities
Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness, and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published Fortune. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity, and financial stability, and manages more than 65 retirement communities in 21 states coast to coast. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.