Articles and Information from GA Foods

Nutrition Care Can Reduce Hospital Admissions

Health care professionals are always looking for better ways to keep members out of the hospital and to reduce their length of stay. Yet, the role of nutrition remains poorly understood by providers, administrators, and payers. One of the leading causes for readmission to the hospital is malnutrition. 

This week is National Summer Food Service Program Kickoff Week, a program that ensures children and teens have access to nutritious meals when school lets out. Federal assistance, through the program, is provided to state agencies and non-profit sponsors to help children receive nutrition when school is not in session. Nearly 21.5 million children are eligible for this program, yet only 1 in 6 of them currently receive this according to a 2016 report from the Food Research Action Center.

Poor nutrition during the summer months affects the child's academic performance during the school year. It is one of the many reasons the summer program is essential. While in school, students across the country are eating healthier than ever thanks to the Hunger-Free Kids Act. Students are receiving meals with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and low-fat dairy, which are low in sugar, fat, and sodium. Summer feeding programs continue these great meals and help students return to school ready to learn.

Planning meals for child nutrition programs is not easy. You have to take into consideration federal nutrient requirements, food budget, kitchen equipment, and available staff. Plus, you have to use foods that appeal to children!

Social media is growing fast, even in the nonprofit world. Facebook alone has 79% of internet users in the US logging in. Instagram added over 200 million users in 2017,  with 500 million using the service daily. Social media is a powerhouse for reaching your community and recruiting volunteers.

Healthcare in America is booming. New innovative technology, medicine, and techniques are continually improving recovery, life expectancy, and quality of life.

Every May, our nation observes Older Americans Month. This comes from the Administration on Aging, a division in the Federal Government. This years theme of Older Americans Month is "Engage at Every Age" with an emphasis on "you are never too old." The Administration on Aging suggests "to take part in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotional well-being." One of the most important parts of physical activity is a healthy diet.

For older Americans, this can be more challenging. As we age, our sense of taste and smell change. We face dental issues like missing teeth, sore gums, or poorly fitting dentures. Saliva production decreases, often making it harder to swallow, and ultimately reducing our appetites.

Adopting a positive attitude can go far in dealing with the changes associated with aging. In fact, according to Kaiser Health News, those who have a positive outlook on aging live 7.5 years longer. Studies show that older adults who hold negative stereotypes about aging tend to walk more slowly, experience memory problems, and recover less fully from a fall or fracture.

As a case manager, you do your best to help your members to live independently.  As many as 28 percent of those eligible for home health care turn down these services. By refusing needed services, the odds of being readmitted to the hospital within 30 to 60 days can double.

Finding volunteers is challenging, and the needs of your organization grow every day. Learning how to use community partnerships as a source for volunteers provides a pool of people already invested in your cause: the community.

Here are ways to use community partnerships as a source for volunteers.

March is National Nutrition Month. This year's theme not only encourages healthy eating habits, but urges us to find ways to cut back on food waste. Learning how to manage food resources at home will help you "Go Further with Food," while saving both nutrients and money.