February is when we celebrate National Heart Awareness Month which helps raise awareness of heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States killing more than 600,000 Americans each year. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease, which often … [ Read More ]
Kidney Disease and Diet Restrictions
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When a renal diet is ordered, just what does this mean? In long term care, the restrictions are liberalized. It is first important to find out if the resident is receiving dialysis or not. The renal diet may be interpreted as general with no added salt and possibly low potassium. A low potassium diet generally … [ Read More ]
Fortifying and Enhancing Foods
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In long term care, we are often working with elderly residents who unfortunately feel like eating is a chore. It is quite common for an elderly person to have a decreased or poor appetite as they age. But nursing homes must be creative in offering foods to their residents who have diminished food intake. Some … [ Read More ]
Accurate Weight Measurements
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Accuracy with weight measurements is essential for residents in the long-term care setting. Weight measurement is used to calculate energy, protein and fluid needs. It is used as an indicator of nutritional and health status and changes in weight can often indicate other medical changes. Inaccurate weight measurements can result in an increased number of … [ Read More ]
When supplements should be considered for a resident
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Knowing when to order supplements and when to refrain can be a challenge. Supplements may be a helpful intervention for inadequate intake and weight loss, but can also be costly, ineffective, and potentially harmful if used improperly. Keep the following guidelines in mind when considering the use of a supplement. When to Order: According to … [ Read More ]
Thawing Food Properly and Safely
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Developing a preparation and thaw guide for production staff provides guidance to ensure a food product is pulled in advance to thaw under refrigeration. Product density will determine the length of time required to completely thaw. Individual meat patties, chicken pieces, ground meat, fish, and liquid eggs thaw in one to two days while meat … [ Read More ]
Food and Drug Interactions
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The widespread use of medications and dietary supplements along with the general population’s eating habits and health status can set the stage for numerous food-drug interactions. Food-drug interactions can change the effectiveness of drugs or the side effects of medications can affect the nutritional status of an individual. The elderly population is at an increased … [ Read More ]
Heart Healthy Eating
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About 35 percent of the population has some form of heart disease and this life threatening condition is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. It has been determined that a “heart … [ Read More ]
Food Allergies and Intolerances
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According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a food allergy is a medical condition in which exposure to a food triggers a harmful immune response. The immune response, called an allergic reaction, occurs because the immune system attacks proteins in the food that are normally harmless. The proteins that trigger the reaction are called … [ Read More ]
Hot Weather Menu for Residents
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Summertime brings sun and fun along with high temperatures coupled with high humidity. These conditions place a strain on everyone, especially the elderly. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration as they do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that … [ Read More ]