At the first of four presentations during the 2018 Encourage Health Education Series, Loop It Up Savannah was presented with a $1,000 grant to be used for art supplies and food for after-school programs.

Loop It Up Savannah is a community non-profit that each year brings creative art workshops to more than 5,000 kids. They serve a healthy snack and dinner to 30-40 children with after-school programs at the Yamacraw Community Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

At the luncheon, Dr. Luke Curtsinger discussed The Blue Zone and how its nine life-guiding principles can promote longevity, well-being and overall happiness.

Curtsinger, a plastic surgeon who practices with Savannah Plastic Surgery, has performed more than 20,000 operations and is president-elect of the Georgia Medical Society.

The 2018 Encourage Health Education Series will feature four lunchtime presentations from respected experts who will share insights on nutrition and fitness, plus general tips for healthy living. A healthy lunch is provided. Attendance is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required on Healthy Savannah’s website.

During each presentation, a local nonprofit organization will receive a $1,000 Encourage Health grant to support their programs promoting healthy living, active lifestyles or nutritional education.

This marks the fifth year for the Enmarket Encourage Health Education Series, conducted in partnership with Healthy Savannah, Sandfly Family Dental, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Clover Health, Hoist Water, Savannah Morning News and Savannah Magazine.

To RSVP for the lectures, visit http://healthysavannah.org/2017-encourage-health-series/.