March 11, 2018 0

Nutrition and Hydration Week, 12th-18th March 2018

Nutrition and Hydration Week highlights the role of food and drink as an essential component to physical and mental well-being. Whilst the initial drive for this week focused on improvements in health and social care settings, it extends far beyond this into the wider community; involving anyone in a caring role (such as parents for their children, or families looking after elderly relatives) and everyone (highlighting the importance of self-care)!

One of the aims of Nutrition and Hydration Week is to emphasize that we as a community, can raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and its role as an essential element of care. Good nutrition and hydration ensures many vital functions including:

Quicker recovery from illness and a healthy immune system,
Reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer,
Improved memory and concentration,
Temperature regulation,
Maintained bone and joint health, and;
The successful transfer of nutrients around the body, and removal of toxins and waste products.

Tips for improved nutritional health include:

Protected mealtimes where everyone sits to eat together (at the same time and, where possible, interruption-free).
Awareness of your own hydration and nutritional needs (for example, vegan diets may require vitamin B12 supplements).
Ensuring around half your daily intake comprises of fruit and vegetables.
Ensuring at least half the grains you eat are whole grains (such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal and quinoa).
Switching to water instead of sugary drinks, and drinking 6 – 8 glasses a day.