'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board
'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -
This Healthy Wednesday we are supporting National Patient Nutrition and Hydration Week and promoting the importance of good nutrition and hydration for people who are at nutritional risk both in hospital and in the community.
Nationally up to 40% of people admitted to hospital are at nutritional risk as a result of their illness or condition and similarly many older people and those with long term illness in the community are at nutritional risk.
This Healthy Wednesday we are supporting National Patient Nutrition and Hydration Week and promoting the importance of good nutrition and hydration for people who are at nutritional risk both in hospital and in the community.
Nationally up to 40% of people admitted to hospital are at nutritional risk as a result of their illness or condition and similarly many older people and those with long term illness in the community are at nutritional risk.
When food intake or appetite is very poor a ‘Food First’ approach to improving nutrition is encouraged. This means focussing on getting the best nutrition using every day foods and drinks.
The main nutritional focus in hospital is optimising patients nutritional intake to minimise the effects of poor nutrition on recovery, healing and well-being.
However, when you feel unwell you may not feel like eating – just when you need food the most!
When you do not feel hungry try eating little and often, large meals can be off putting if your appetite is poor – small main meals served on a small plate and nourishing snacks between meals such as a slice of cake and milky drink, cheese and crackers, a full fat yoghurt or milky dessert or a small sandwich are good ways of helping you eat more.
Snacking between meals is very helpful if you have a small appetite or need extra nourishment because it helps to increase your overall intake of food and nutrients.
It’s also important to make sure you drink enough so aim to have at least 6-8 cups of fluid a day and include nourishing drinks such as those made with full cream milk.
Karen Thomas, Joint head of Dietetics, said: “When you are unwell in hospital it is more important than usual that you have enough nourishment. This will help you recover as quickly as possible - don’t be surprised if we advise you to fortify your meals with extra calories! This is different to the usual healthy eating advised for people who are well."
If you are concerned that you or a relative are at nutritional risk (for example unintentional weight loss and / or a poor appetite) discuss this with your Doctor or Nurse.
For more information on having a healthy lifestyle go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday
The main nutritional focus in hospital is optimising patients nutritional intake to minimise the effects of poor nutrition on recovery, healing and well-being.
However, when you feel unwell you may not feel like eating – just when you need food the most!
When you do not feel hungry try eating little and often, large meals can be off putting if your appetite is poor – small main meals served on a small plate and nourishing snacks between meals such as a slice of cake and milky drink, cheese and crackers, a full fat yoghurt or milky dessert or a small sandwich are good ways of helping you eat more.
Snacking between meals is very helpful if you have a small appetite or need extra nourishment because it helps to increase your overall intake of food and nutrients.
It’s also important to make sure you drink enough so aim to have at least 6-8 cups of fluid a day and include nourishing drinks such as those made with full cream milk.
Karen Thomas, Joint head of Dietetics, said: “When you are unwell in hospital it is more important than usual that you have enough nourishment. This will help you recover as quickly as possible - don’t be surprised if we advise you to fortify your meals with extra calories! This is different to the usual healthy eating advised for people who are well."
If you are concerned that you or a relative are at nutritional risk (for example unintentional weight loss and / or a poor appetite) discuss this with your Doctor or Nurse.
For more information on having a healthy lifestyle go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday
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