Articles and Information from GA Foods

Many homebound older adults do not receive adequate balanced meals, which are essential for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and are vital for disease prevention. Unfortunately, proper nutrition and diet sometimes take a backseat to other steps in disease management. The body needs to receive the right balance of calories, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fats, and proteins from food to function well. Food as medicine is not a new concept, but a good diet should be taken seriously and be a top goal to help ensure a better quality of life.

Food and holiday celebrations go together. Enjoying a meal is still one of the best parts of the holidays, even with smaller festivities this year. But, preparing a delicious holiday meal doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re concerned about healthy eating or have limited time, holiday food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few simple tips for stress-free holiday eating, so you’ll be free to enjoy the season!

For case managers working in prenatal care, the goal is to help pregnant women achieve a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a healthy mom. Gestational diabetes is a red flag for a high-risk pregnancy. The encouraging news is gestational diabetes can be managed with proper nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction. Here is some information that you can share with new moms. 

The holidays bring wonderful moments shared with family and friends. However, travel and the abundance of delicious food and treats available at gatherings and celebrations may make it difficult for your members to manage their diabetes. These tips can help case managers assist their members to meet their health goals and continue to enjoy eating during the holidays.

Open enrollment for 2022 Medicare Advantage (MA) is almost here. Major payers have shared their benefit offerings for the new year.  Many of the benefits are related to social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and isolation.  

As a Case Manager, you focus on achieving quality outcomes for your members by assessing their care needs. Your goal is to keep your members healthy and living in their homes. One area that tends to get overlooked in care plans is malnutrition. It is estimated that 1 out of 2 older adults is at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition in older adults leads to more complications, falls, and hospital readmissions. Plus, it can increase healthcare costs by 300%.

Food provides the nutrients we need, especially as we age. Eating healthy makes a difference in our health and improves how we feel and our sense of well-being.

Expecting a baby can be a very joyful time! However, it can also be stressful for women with pre-existing conditions or other conditions that may develop during pregnancy. Fortunately, a health plan can take steps to help to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery for its high-risk members.

Receiving proper prenatal care is the first step. Regular visits to an obstetrician are necessary to ensure good fetal development and the health of the mother.

One way to stay healthy is through a proper diet. Good nutrition during pregnancy can lower the risk for poor maternal and child outcomes, including low birth rates and premature delivery. Healthy meals are vital for those who experience high-risk pregnancies, including those managing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Proper maternal health is essential for:

• Healthy blood pressure, weight, and wellness
• Reducing preterm labor
• Avoiding NICU admissions
• Overall lower maternal pre and postnatal costs

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Some health care plans may offer their members telehealth Medical Nutrition Therapy. These sessions partner women with a Registered Dietitian (RD) during pregnancy and when they return home from the hospital. The RD will educate the member in selecting, preparing, and eating appropriate food for their condition. They can also recommend a medically tailored meal plan to fit the unique prenatal and postnatal needs. Medically tailored meals help to manage existing conditions to treat those that can occur during pregnancy.

Common chronic conditions that may occur during pregnancy are:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Obesity

Offering a home-delivered meals program to expectant mothers is a simple way to address the Social Determinants of Health, including food insecurity, help to encourage breastfeeding, and reducing preterm births. Providing nourishment to high-risk mothers can help reduce NICU and overall healthcare costs.

Click below to learn more about GA Foods' KickStart Maternal Health program. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are above normal. With diabetes, the body may not make enough insulin, use the insulin in the right way, or both, causing blood sugar levels to be too high.

Many vaccinated older adults are ready to get back out in the world! After more than a year of isolation and quarantine, it may be challenging to know where to begin.