Living longer can be a blessing—allowing us to witness and enjoy the accomplishments of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and see inventions and progress we never imagined as children. But what type of life will we have in those added years? Six out of 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease and four out of 10 have at least two chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. Is there a way to avoid, or at least delay, the onset of chronic disease so that we can make the most of a longer life? Although we can’t control everything that increases our chances of developing a chronic disease, we can control a very important risk factor—what we eat.
Experts recommend eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and avoiding excess weight gain as our best defense against developing a chronic disease. Unfortunately, foods full of sugar, salt, and saturated fat—which contribute to weight gain and chronic health conditions—are in front of us everywhere we turn.
In this webinar, Miriam Seidel, a public health nutritionist and expert in the food system, will describe the link between diet, weight, and chronic disease. She will share the current research on ultra-processed foods—what they are, where they are found, and how they may contribute to obesity and disease. With an eye towards adding healthy life to living longer, Seidel will provide actionable steps towards a healthier way of eating for you and your clients.

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• recognize the relationship between chronic disease, diet, and obesity;
• differentiate protective foods from foods and food substances that contribute to chronic disease and obesity;
• identify resources that can support healthy eating; and
• describe practical and healthy meal options.

Registration closes on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at noon.