Mega Doctor News
Good nutrition is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of healthy aging.
As people grow older, changes in appetite, chronic health conditions, medications and other age-related factors can make it more difficult to meet their nutritional needs, increasing the risk for serious health complications.
Unfortunately, malnutrition is often a hidden health concern that can quietly affect an older adult’s strength, energy levels and ability to recover from illness. Because its symptoms can develop gradually, they are frequently dismissed as a natural part of aging and may go unnoticed until significant health challenges emerge.
Check out the gallery below for more image of the STHS event: All photos courtesy of STHS
According to the Administration for Community Living, approximately 1 in 2 older adults is at risk for malnutrition, a condition associated with muscle loss, frailty, falls, prolonged recovery times and worsening chronic disease.
“Many older adults do not realize they may be at risk for malnutrition because its symptoms can be subtle and develop gradually over time,” said Romil Nahar, MD, a transitional year resident with the South Texas Health System (STHS) GME Consortium. “Early recognition and simple dietary changes can have a meaningful impact, helping older adults remain stronger, more resilient and better equipped to manage their overall health.”
To raise awareness about this important issue, STHS and Prominence Health recently hosted “Living with Malnutrition,” the latest installment of their Senior Living Seminar Series.
More than 50 local seniors and caregivers attended the free educational event, where they explored the causes and effects of malnutrition and learned practical ways to support long-term wellness.
During the seminar, participants gained insight into common risk factors, available community resources and strategies for maintaining proper nourishment throughout later life. Educational presentations were complemented by several interactive activities designed to reinforce key takeaways.
Attendees tested their knowledge during a nutrition-themed bingo game, participated in a guided exercise demonstration led by the STHS Edinburg Rehabilitation Services Department and enjoyed a healthy recipe presentation hosted by the facility’s Dietary Department. A community health fair also provided screenings and opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals.
“Our goal is to provide older adults and their loved ones with information they can immediately put into practice,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “When seniors understand the connection between nutrition and overall wellness, they are better prepared to make informed decisions that support healthier outcomes.”
The next Senior Living Seminar will take place on Friday, October 2, at STHS Edinburg and will focus on medication interactions and their impact on older adults. For additional details, visit the STHS Facebook Eventspage.
To register for the free seminar, contact Veronica Galligan at 956-821-9569 or Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About Prominence Health
Prominence Health began in 1993 as a health maintenance organization (HMO) and became of a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 2014. They provide coverage to more than 60,000 fully insured, self-funded and Medicare Advantage members throughout Nevada and parts of Texas. Prominence operates seven Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C., which are managed care systems that benefit communities by providing coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. For more information about Prominence Health, visit ProminenceHealthPlan.com or ProminenceMedicare.com.
