In recent months, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the
familiar food pyramid model with a new model designed to promote better food
choices, just in time for ?Fruits and Veggies ? More Matters? Month. The month
of September is dedicated to highlighting the benefits of eating colorful
fruits and vegetables, and is a great time to encourage your Medicare Advantage
HMO and PPO patients to focus on making healthy food choices. It?s also another
good reason to help them commit to regular physical activity. According to
Carol Johnston, Ph.D., R.D., director of the nutrition program at Arizona State
University, ?Good diet and exercise go hand in hand to help maintain optimal
physical and mental functioning. They really cannot be separated.?
When it comes to the older adult population, proper nutrition is paramount.
?Good nutrition is particularly important for the aging population for several
reasons,? explains Johnston. ?First, aging is often associated with greater
chronic disease frequency, which can create a greater need for nutrients such
as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Inflammation is a common consequence of
obesity, heart disease, and diabetes ? all conditions which are more common in
aging populations.?
The need for proper nutrition in older adults doesn?t stop with chronic
diseases. Johnston adds, ?The ability to assimilate nutrients in foods declines
with age, a reflection of an aging stomach and intestinal tract. That is why
the recommended intake for some nutrients increases in the elderly [to
compensate for poor absorption].? Add to the list the fact that many commonly
used medications, such as antacids, can interfere with nutrient absorption and
can adversely impact metabolic functions.
Encourage your patients to fill half their plate with more fruits and
vegetables and share these helpful tips with them:
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Eat brightly colored fruits (reds, greens, purples) and vegetables daily. Avoid
juice; eat the whole fruit instead.
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Choose high-fiber foods, particularly vegetables (e.g., leafy greens, broccoli,
kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and legumes).
-
Eat lean sources of protein at each meal (e.g., egg substitutes, skim milk,
low-fat yogurt, chicken, fish).
-
Minimize grains (unless physically active every day) and choose mainly whole
grains.
SilverSneakers? can help
It?s never too late to adopt healthy eating habits and, of course, the same
goes for engaging in regular physical activity. Adopting an active lifestyle
with the Healthways SilverSneakers? Fitness Program is a great way for Keystone
65 HMO Preferred and Personal Choice 65SM PPO members to get moving
? all while having fun and making friends! Remind them to exercise regularly
and to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight,
reduce their risk of certain diseases, and get the vitamins and minerals they
need to live an active and healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Note: SilverSneakers is offered to Keystone 65 Preferred HMO and
Personal Choice 65 PPO members at no cost. To enroll in the program, members
can simply bring their health plan ID card to any participating SilverSneakers
location. For a complete list of locations, members can visit the
SilverSneakers website at www.silversneakers.com
or call 1-888-423-4632.