When it comes to what we eat, some foods are better than others. We all know that we’re supposed to eat fruits and vegetables and avoid things like candy and pasties, but a healthy diet is a little bit more complex than this. And the consequences of diet can be pretty severe. Eating poorly can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
According to one estimate, about 45 percent of all deaths from cardiometabolic diseases–which includes those listed above and more–could be attributed to diet. Not only is a poor diet deadly, it’s expensive. Nationwide, a sub-optimum diet costs people about $300 per person when it comes to healthcare costs–around $50 billion total. That’s a lot of money that is being wasted because of bad eating habits. This could be avoided with a few lifestyle changes per family.
Diet is one of those weird areas where we know that certain things are bad for us, yet we do it anyway. The issue is that this isn’t done in moderation much of the time. We know that a slice of cake isn’t healthy, but one piece on a special occasion usually isn’t a big deal. But other things can have a much bigger negative impact when they are eaten in excess, like fast food, junk food, chips, and other similar foods.
Some people will say that it’s no one’s business what and how they eat. This is true, to a measure. But we do have to remember that the things we do have an impact beyond ourselves. If a poor diet leaves me in a wheelchair because of complications from diabetes, it isn’t just me that is impacted. My wife and kids will be, too. Doctors and nurses that treat me will also be impacts, as will be the insurance company that helps offset costs from any medical procedure or treatment that I undergo.
This is not an argument against personal choice. However, it is important to remember that the things we do matter. They matter beyond ourselves and ripple out in a way that we cannot fully predict. Thinking beyond ourselves is a good first step when it comes to helping the people that we care about stay healthy and find the best type of care to meet their needs.
We can help when it comes to senior care planning. If you’re looking for a trained caregiver, you should expect things like knowledge of healthy meals. Part of what our caregivers do does involve meal prep, and if you or an older loved one have certain dietary needs or goals, this is something that can usually easily be incorporated into a care plan. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions regarding how a caregiver can help make your dietary needs be met a little more easily.
And, as always, feel free to contact us with any other care questions that you might have. One of our trained caregivers would love to sit down with you and answer your questions and address your concerns during a free consultation session.
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