NUTRITION Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, August - September 2022 4
Eat Well, Be Well
Nutrition is a vital component of our health and well-being, especially as we age. However, in communities throughout the U.S., older adults sometimes lack access to the high quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent. Elder Services of Berkshire County of fers the Senior Nutrition Program to promote healthy eating, decrease social isolation, and support better health. They also provide a gateway for older adults to access other home and communitybased services such as chronic disease management services. Medical Nutrition Therapy is a one of the many vital service offered by Elder Services of Berkshire County. What is Medical Nutrition Therapy? Medical Nutrition Therapy is an approach to treating severe illness. People living with serious illnesses benef it from eating foods specifically designed for a
medical condition. Food is medicine. Did you know that studies show that individual with obesity, diabetes, and lipid metabolism disorders who receive medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from a registered dietitian have better outcomes than those who receive traditional care? You are what you eat. So why treat serious illness with nutrition? Food and nutrition standards founded in research result in better health outcomes. Tailoring the medical needs of an individual by a registered dietitian has been demonstrated to improve health outcomes, improve quality of life and longevity, and reduce hospital admissions for people with obesity, diabetes and lipid metabolism disorders, as well as other chronic diseases. Who needs a medically tailored meal? If you or s o m e o n e yo u l ove h a s a serious medical condition like cardiovascular disease, renal
failure, cancer or malnutrition. A registered dietitian then tailors the meal plan to the unique needs of the individual and completes a nutritional assessment. Elder Services of Berkshire County uses nutrition practice standards and provides evidence-based nutrition science to provide meals, education and counseling. Meals are available to those consumers who attend senior dining centers and for those individuals that require a home delivered meal.
are 800mg of potassium, 800 mg Sodium, 300 mg phosphorus.
What meals are available?
To learn more about our program and the services we provide by contacting ESBCI at 1-800-981-5201 or 413-499-0524 or email at esbci@esbci.org Visit the ESBCI website at http://www.esbci.org/programs_ and_services/nutrition. html to learn more about this important program and join the conversation on social media using hashtag #MNT.
Cardiac meals are available for those with heart disease. Nutrients including sodium, fat and saturated fat are reduced. Meals are 800mg Sodium, 30% total fat, 10% saturated fat Renal meals are available for those consumers that have kidney disease. Nutrients including potassium, sodium and phosphorus are reduced. Meals
Pureed meals are foods that are pureed and are of soft consistency (like applesauce). Puree meals are available for consumers that have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Vegetarian meals are available for those consumers that do not eat meat products including beef, chicken, fish and pork. Meals do contain milk, eggs, nuts and seeds.
Enjoy life with a community of friends.
One Bedroom apartments are ready for f immediate occupancy.
The Inn at Lathrop Community offers a positive and supportive environment that helps build and nurture a sense of community and well-being. You’ll benefit from life enrichment programs and greater opportunities for socialization and fitness. Discover the meaning of Enhanced Independent Living at The Inn. 413-437-5892 | lathrop.kendal.org | 100 Bassett Brook Drive Easthampton, MA A Not-for-Profit Community Serving Older Adults in the Quaker Tradition.
