Chew on This: Key Links Between Diet and Health

During the holiday season, it is the perfect time to review how our diet affects our health, both now and in our later years. Studies overwhelmingly support the link between poor nutrition and a variety of chronic diseases. For instance, key findings from the WHO/FAO Expert Consultation on Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases include the following conditions directly impacted by unhealthy lifestyle choices:

• Diabetes. A combination of obesity and lack of physical activity worldwide is contributing to an epidemic of type 2 diabetes diagnoses and complications. Preventing and treating diabetes is dependent upon maintaining a healthy weight.
• Cancer. Risk of developing a variety of types of cancer can be reduced through healthier eating and weight loss, including colorectal, breast, kidney, esophagus, and others.
• Dental erosion. Reducing intake of sugars and acids, along with increasing fluoride exposure, can help prevent against dental disease and tooth erosion.
• Heart attack/stroke. A major determinant of developing these two main types of cardiovascular disease is dietary choices. Consuming less salt, saturated and trans fats, while consuming more fruits and vegetables, is crucial to lowering risk of heart disease. Exercise is equally important, as well as achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI.
• Osteoporosis. Many older adults in particular experience fractures as a result of bone fragility. Sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D are crucial to strengthening the bones and reducing fracture risk.

A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet have become common issues for many Americans, and have actually been slated as a major global health risk, impacting all ages and nationalities. At To The Rescue, our home health care team can help improve health and wellbeing in a variety of ways for those requiring assistance at home:

• Planning and preparing nutritious, balanced meals
• Running errands such as grocery shopping, to ensure the pantry and fridge are well stocked with healthy meal and snack choices
• Providing encouragement and motivation to participate in exercise programs and to remain as physically active as possible
• Offering transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments
• Plus a full range of skilled nursing services such as education and management for health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and more

Serving families in communities throughout the Greater Cedar Rapids Iowa area since 2009, To The Rescue is on hand to help you and your loved ones improve quality of life, right in the comfort of home. We’d love to talk with you to answer any questions and help create a customized plan of care to address the specific needs and challenges you’re facing. Call us at 319-826-6068 in Iowa.