We have known for thousands of years that the food we eat can affect our health. Hippocrates is credited with saying, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This phrase encapsulates the wisdom that Hippocrates imparted regarding the intrinsic connection between nutrition and health.

Eating habits can have a powerful effect on health. While some foods may lead to chronic health conditions, others offer protective qualities.

The public is invited to a free community presentation, “Food as Medicine: Recommendations for Eating to Sustain Healthspan,” at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 14) at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St., Lockport. The presenter is Dr. Pete Watson, a former associate professor of medicine who in retirement is focusing on healthy aging.

Dr. Pete, whose teaching and research focus was endocrinology, will speak about how, along with exercise and sleep, your diet is one of the major determinants of extending your healthspan. He will discuss factors that contribute to a healthy diet, including: how much you should eat; which macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats) are most crucial to the aging body; how dietary choices can address susceptibility to “The Four Horsemen” (the diseases most people will die from); and three simple micronutrients that have been shown to affect overall health.

What we eat has profound effects on our overall health and well-being. The presentation from Dr. Pete about food as medicine will be enlightening and engaging. Please call 716-433-1886 to reserve your seat. Admission is free.