Molina Healthcare of Washington Teams Up With Mercy Housing to Harvest for Heart Health
02/12/2015
Molina Healthcare of Washington partnered with Mercy Housing in Tacoma to promote heart health for American Heart Month in February. Molina hosted a free gardening class where participants learned how to plant and grow their own basil and parsley herbs. The herb planting class consisted of 50 seniors. Each participant received two planter kits, which included pots, soil and basil and parsley herb seeds. After completion of the class, each attendee was given a recipe card and instructions on how to care for their plants at home.
Molina Healthcare of Washington hosted this event to raise awareness of heart disease to seniors. Basil and herbs are a healthy alternative that can be used as food substitutes for salt. They provide health benefits such as improved blood flow, lowered cholesterol and other essential nutrients for a healthier heart. Using fresh herbs for flavor can help reduce sodium intake for all of us, but it is particularly beneficial for seniors’ health. Decreasing sodium consumption helps lower the risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.