“Healthy Eating” is just one of the new activity groups available to members of Friends in the Hills Welcome Club.

This group will meet monthly in members’ homes to explore creative ways to prepare foods that are healthy, delicious, attractive and easy to make at home with less fat, sugar and preservatives.

Although the purpose of the group is serious – to learn how to eat in a more healthy manner – members still have fun at their gatherings, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the company of other members over a delicious and healthy meal.

The opportunity to meet long-time friends and make new ones is the best part of Friends in the Hills and its many small-group activities.

The Healthy Eating group had such a good time at their first meeting that they decided to continue meeting throughout the summer, while many other FITH groups choose to go on hiatus.

In May, the group will enjoy a salad buffet with four fresh homemade dressings. To minimize the amount of cooking or prep time necessary, each participant is asked to contribute just one healthy item to the salad.

After the meal, there will be an exchange of recipes and a discussion on how to make healthy and tasty homemade dressings.

The April 9 meeting of the Friends in the Hills general membership at the Fountain Hills Community Center was highlighted by a presentation on skin health delivered by local physician Dr. Jyoti Patel.

Dr. Patel discussed skin health issues of particular importance to those who live, work and play in the Southwest. She also offered practical advice on everyday skincare routines as well as options for corrective and preventive treatments.

For more information about Friends in the Hills Welcome Club, call club president Heidi Pearson at 816-1086 or visit the club’s website at www.fithwc.com.