Every 60 seconds, 11 hospitalized patients go undiagnosed with malnutrition. Patients with malnutrition have higher hospital costs, longer stays, and increased mortality. What does malnutrition look like? In some cases, it’s obvious. In others, it’s harder to detect. But with greater awareness, patients can be treated earlier and recover faster.
It is important for patients, as well as caregivers and families, to be proactive and ask about their nutrition status. Are you or a loved one experiencing any of these?
Unplanned weight loss (or in children, slow weight gain, underweight).
Loss of appetite.
Not able to eat or only able to eat small amounts.
Feeling weak or tired.
Swelling or fluid accumulation.
It is important to help recognize the signs of malnutrition, so patients can talk to their healthcare provider about treatment. Focusing on malnutrition can help: decrease healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, reduce readmissions, support healthy aging, and improve quality of healthcare. Good nutrition can help prevent infections, heal faster, and feel stronger.
Did you know, malnutrition is highest in older adults? For information about home-delivered meals, healthy eating as you age, or additional malnutrition resources, such as How to Talk with my Healthcare Provider About Malnutrition, contact Valerie, Registered Dietitian, at Waushara County Department of Aging (920) 787-0403 or 1-877-364-5344.
Malnutrition can happen in children, too. It’s vital to your children’s health, growth, and development to ask about your child’s nutrition. If your child has any of the above listed signs, or not growing longer or taller, not eating well due to stomach problems, less active, or less playful, talk to your healthcare provider.
Learn more during ASPEN Malnutrition Awareness Week, October 5-9, 2020. For more information, go to nutritioncare.org/YourNutrition. Malnutrition Awareness Week™ is a mark of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).
Source: nutritioncare.org
REACH Waushara works with the community to find creative solutions to community problems. Our priority areas are Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Mental Health, and Chronic Disease Prevention. Contact the Waushara County Health Department at (920) 787-6590 or public.health@co.waushara.wi.us for more information.
