The road to a healthy lifestyle is more of a marathon than a sprint. Changing the way a person thinks about nutrition can give them the endurance needed to keep going.
Nothing positive tends to come to mind when people hear the word diet. Diets seem to give a negative connotation and imply that people only need to restrict themselves in order to achieve results.
March is National Nutrition Month and Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) Nutrition Care Division is committed to help people build better eating habits.
“We eat every day, so whatever we are doing impacts our nutrition,” said Capt. Stephanie Ticer, clinical nutrition chief. “(National Nutrition Month) is really just an opportunity to push out evidence-based nutrition facts and promote resources.”
This past year, COVID-19 posed a new threat to overall health with children and many adults staying home from school and work.
“Routines have been impacted. It’s a lot more access to food and snacks throughout the day,” said Ticer. “You’re more likely to eat more and move less, potentially.”
Delivery and to-go options at restaurants and grocery stores also changed the way we shop for food this past year. The combination of gym closures and reduced community activities might have contributed to boredom, which drove many people toward food to pass the time while at home.
Ticer explained that the emotions we felt this past year also played a part in our relationship with food. For some, the stress brought on by 2020 caused them to turn to food for comfort, while others lost their appetite.
Nutrition is not always about losing weight, sometimes the goal is to assist those with a diagnosed disease or even help some patients gain weight.
With the help of six clinical dietitians, including a certified lactation consult and a certified diabetes educator, the Nutrition Care Division offers several programs, including weight management and bariatric support groups, as well as diabetes and prenatal nutrition classes to help beneficiaries achieve their nutrition goals.
“We try to get an idea of what their goals are and where they’re at,” said Ticer. “If it’s something that’s more of a niche and not in any of the classes, then that’s when we would schedule a one-on-one.”
The classes and support groups are available virtually for active-duty service members, as well as TRICARE prime and plus beneficiaries. TRICARE select beneficiaries may also use the Nutrition Care Division’s services on a space available basis.
The Nutrition Care Division is available to discuss beneficiaries’ needs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 526-7290. To schedule an appointment, call the Colorado Military Health System Access to Care Line at 526-2273.
“I was always fascinated by nutrition labels and knowing what was in food since I was a little kid,” said Ticer. “Just knowing there are things you can eat that can make you feel better, and improve your health, was always really interesting.”
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2021 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 403414 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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