Problem Solved!!


    During the holidays we spend a lot of time up close and personal. This is not the time for the dreaded halitosis (bad breath!) When visiting families and loved ones that we have not seen for some time the last thing we want to be remembered for is our bad breath. We hope to spend this time laughing, talking about Christmas pasts and ones to come. Here are some foolproof ideas to kill the enemy of bad breath:

1. Brushing and Flossing
2. Tongue cleaning
3. Avoiding certain foods
4. Water
5. New Toothbrush
6. Rinses
7. Prescription Management
8. Routine Cleaning
9. Peridontal Treatment    

       Please use these ideas and pass them on to your friends along with some holiday cheer!
                                                       Merry Christmas!

                                                         Food is Medicine!




                Nutrition strategies for caregivers:

•     Assess the client's overall ability to manage and prepare his or her meals. This can easily influence the nutritional value of what they eat. They may depend heavily on pre-packaged or processed food. Even junk foods or fast food. 

• Target approximately 1 to 1.5 grams of protein/kg of body weight or around 70-100 grams/day will meet the needs of most, whether taken orally, requiring enteral tube feeds or some combination of the two. Fish, poultry, eggs, lean meats, dairy and abundant vegetables are good sources in addition to providing other important vitamins ,minerals and sufficient fiber.     

•        Encourage reading and understanding of food labels as a guide to meeting daily nutritional needs.

•        Don't be afraid to be creative, unless an individual is on a special diet where certain foods are prohibited.

•        Engage with others in your client's support network. Communicate and coordinate with a fellow caregiver, friend or neighbor who spends time in the home, to better understand your client's likes, dislikes and nutritional needs.

•       Lastly, Think of Food as Medicine : Sugar and flour based foods work against weight management, pain control, energy levels and blood glucose control.

  

                          December is Dessert Month !

     What a better time to be considerate of what we put in our tummies? When we think about December we think, Christmas Pudding, fruitcake, pies of all sorts and endless sugary cookies. Well, at least I do anyway. It has come to my attention that December is also Colitis and Crohn's Awareness Month.In this time we need to take into deep consideration what we are serving at Christmas Parties to those who may be suffering from such chronic issues. I've decided to share some ideas to ease some of the suffering during this time of the year.

1. People who suffer from these disorders should eat very little fried or greasy foods.

     2. High fiber foods such as leafy greens and nuts can be harsh to these individuals. Be mindful and cook the veggies and make sure to peel them as well. Make an offering of a fruit pie instead of one with nuts.


    3.Rather than a salad maybe a squash or green bean casserole.


    4. Say Cheers in moderation: Alcohol can be associated with chronic IBD flare-ups and may often irritate even a healthy bowel.


    5. Know yourself, but still make holiday merry with yourself :Remember what has caused problems in the past and be aware of the red flags associated with abdominal discomfort and what may bother someone else may never bother you.


    6. Be Prepared: Eye the nearest "Rest" area and be sure to have handy dandy remedies in your purse. Stay true to moderation and be careful with too much of anything. Above all else.....Merry Christmas!