“Spirit of Women is an initiative that emphasizes women’s health, because studies show that women are the chief healthcare decision makers in the majority of American families,” said Heidi Franssen, CDM, CFPP, Food Service Director for Metz & Associates, Ltd. at Pocono Medical Center. “The various programs encourage women to seek preventative medical care and also lead healthier lifestyles.”

Pocono Medical Center is one of 5 hospitals in Pennsylvania and more than 80 across the nation that is a member of the Spirit of Women Network that was formed nine years ago to advance the cause of women’s health. A Spirit of Women luncheon, which was recently held at the Medical Center, and was catered by Metz & Associates, Ltd., the Center’s dining management provider, focused on the benefits of antioxidants. One of the Center’s plastic surgeons addressed the women and talked about antioxidant rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and how they help keep a body’s immune system strong and aid in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Antioxidants can also help slow down the aging process of skin, cells, tissues and organs.

The lunch served by the Metz team was rich in antioxidants to show the ladies how great tasting a healthy meal could be. The menu included a mixed fresh fruit cup, almond crusted salmon salad with romaine lettuce, carrots, cherry tomatoes, green beans, dried cranberries and chickpeas and a multigrain roll. For their beverage, the ladies choose from several fresh fruit juices and green and black teas.

“The Metz team at Pocono Medical Center is so proud to have been a part of this enlightening event,” Franssen said. “Nutrition education and encouraging those we serve to eat healthier and lead healthier lifestyles has always been and will always be top priorities of Metz & Associates, Ltd.”

The Spirit of Women Network believes that every person is entitled to a lifetime of vibrant health. The organization educates women through a variety of events and seminars, such as Day of Dance, HeartCaring, New Mom Moments, Walk with Spirit and more. For more information on the Spirit of Women Network, please visit www.spiritofwomen.org.

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570.675.8100.