Knox County Health Department is offering a series of quarterly cooking demonstrations titled "Change Your Diet, Change Your Life." The focus will be on creating dishes to fit a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. 
 
Anyone interested in preparing and eating fresh, affordable, nutritious food that tastes good is welcome to attend. The first seminar showcases cooking with herbs to get more flavor with less salt, and will be held on Wednesday, May 20, at 2 p.m., in the KCHD auditorium at 140 Dameron Avenue. The event is free and the first 50 participants will receive a live basil herb plant. Anyone interested should call 215-5170 to reserve space.

Participants will learn how to make whole wheat pasta with fresh basil pesto sauce, receive tips on cooking with herbs and using heart-healthy fats such as olive oil and be able to sample the day's product. Terri Geiser, KCHD health education program manager and cooking instructor with the Glass Bazaar, will share her culinary expertise.

Diet is an important factor in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Eating healthy meals and snacks will lower blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides reducing risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Knox County. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk of developing diabetes, which has become an epidemic in the United States. Complications of uncontrolled diabetes include blindness, heart disease and stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and loss of limbs.

Knox County Health Department is committed to promoting public health practices that safeguard and improve quality of life for all residents. The Health Department offers an array of services ranging from medical and dental care, disease control, emergency preparedness, air quality management, environmental services, food preparation oversight in public places, special programs for women with children and much more.

For more information on Knox County Health Department, visit www.knoxcounty.org/health.

Public input on health issues is welcome at www.healthyknox.blogspot.com.