Tips To Help You Improve Your Nutrition IQ

In an era when many of us are spending more time indoors and having more sedentary lifestyles, good diet has become more vital than ever to keep healthy. Better diet, in addition to providing you with more energy, can also assist to strengthen your immune system, lengthen your life, and reduce your risk of developing (or aid in the management of) diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders.

How do patients find their way to you?

It is because their doctor has referred them. Then they come in for a one-on-one appointment/assessment with a professional.

Can you tell me what % of your patients are seniors (age 55 and up)?

Eighty percent of the time. The majority of patients at the Regional Medical Center are members of the senior citizen community.

Is there a pattern you have noticed among folks who are dealing with healthy nutrition?

A large number of the folks I encounter live alone, making it difficult for them to prepare meals. Many people consume a lot of fast food, and the majority of them need to learn how to shop at a grocery store. Before COVID, we used to take people on in-person grocery shop excursions to ensure that they could find the items they wanted and could eat. Our goal would be to teach them how to shop, where to look for excellent foods, and which parts to avoid altogether.

It is also possible that transportation will be a problem. It is encouraging to see grocery stores now offering delivery services, which is a wonderful thing. This is especially true for those who are afraid about COVID. My 90-year-old mother has her groceries delivered, and it has been a big benefit to her in her daily routine.

Do you have any recommendations for grocery shoppers?

  • Shop the perimeter first, which includes the dairy, meats, fresh fruits and veggies, and then shop the center. Generally speaking, that is where the healthier foods may be found.
  • If you are hungry, do not go to the grocery store. (It was necessary to state the obvious.)
  • Be a list before you leave and make sure to stick to it.
  • Please take your time. Make sure you do not go when you are pressed for time.
  • Slow down, study the labels, and get to know the food you are about to consume. Make it a leisurely outing instead than a quick one.

When it comes to helping your senior patients, what services or tactics have you found to be the most effective?

Making things simple. Making it as simple as possible. It is critical to collaborate with one’s family. It makes a significant impact if the entire family participates and is enthusiastic about the project. Particularly if they are living on their own. It is significantly more difficult when there is no one present to assist or support them.

Is there any advice you could give to someone who is feeling defeated in their eating and weight loss efforts?

Take it one day at a time, and you will be OK. You are not going to be able to change everything in one day. Consider a few bad behaviors you can get rid of right away and get to work on them. As soon as you have mastered those, you can move on to something else. I can not urge them to go for a walk right now because the weather is changing. However, I challenge them to look for alternative avenues and activities in which to become involved. In addition, I advise people to see their primary care provider as soon as possible. If you do not have one, go out and get one. (There are providers at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center that are accepting new patients – for more information, visit this page.)

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