What on Earth is food insecurity? - Gwinnett County, Georgia

[Pages:2]"There's No Place Like Home!"

February 2012

What on Earth is food insecurity?

Everyone has insecurities from time to time about their health, personal safety, and their ability to pay their bills. Seniors on fixed incomes realize that cold weather brings higher heating bills, but they are never sure exactly how much they are going to need to pay. Additionally, doctor visits can lead to new prescriptions that might cost more than before, but most of us can adapt to these new circumstances.

However, there is another uncertainty affecting seniors that most of us do not know about ? food insecurity. By definition, food insecurity is when there is not enough money or resources to buy food. Seniors end up eating unhealthy meals or not eating as much as they need to. Needless to say, health complications can arise when they are unable to meet their dietary needs.

In order to determine if you are food secure or not, answer the following questions: 1. Do you worry you will run out of food before getting the money to buy more? 2. Do you eat less than you should because there isn't enough money for food? 3. Do you ever skip meals for a day because you can't buy food? 4. Do you worry you can't afford to eat balanced meals?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these statements, you might be living in a food insecure household. For assistance, call Gwinnett Senior Services Helpline at (678) 377-4150.

Ask A ? By Adrienne Noble, Information & Referral Specialist

"Dear A, I have some concerns for my elderly neighbor. Her son used to stop by every week or so to take her grocery shopping. Because he is out of the state, he is no longer able to help her. I have done my best to assist as much as I can, but with my busy schedule it is hard for me to bring her food all the time. Are there any programs that will help her with food?" ? Concerned Neighbor

Dear Concerned Neighbor, I would like to start out by saying thank you for writing me and extending yourself to a senior in need. It is important as a community to support those in need. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall health and wellness. Not being able to have access to food due to lack of transportation or finances is certainly a challenge faced by many seniors. Through our services, your neighbor may benefit from the Home Delivered Meals program. She may also benefit from getting stable shelf food items from the local Co-op Ministry. Through the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), she may even be eligible for food stamps. Please contact me for further information and contact numbers. I can be reached at (678) 377-4150.

Senior Services Helpline (678) 377-4150



Is fresh food really better?

University research has found that canned, fresh, and frozen fruits and vegetables all contain important nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. Each form has its benefits. Long shelf life, variety, convenience, and out-ofseason availability are great reasons to keep canned items on hand. Results also showed that by the time food is eaten, fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables are nutritionally similar.

Are the preservatives found in canned foods a

problem?

No chemicals or added preservatives are needed for the canning process. Fresh fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of freshness and often within hours, packed into a can, sealed and preserved through cooking. It is a simple concept that has provided consumers with nutrient-rich, freshly preserved food for the past 200 years. Since canned foods do not use preservatives, once they're opened, treat the ingredients as fresh. Transfer any unused portion to a clean, covered container, refrigerate and use within a couple of days.

What about all the sodium in canned foods? Sodium is not needed in the canning process, but salt is often added to enhance the food's taste. Hundreds of canned items are available in low- and no-sodium options, and many manufacturers are continuing to reduce sodium content in their products. So, take a second look on the grocery shelf for a low- or nosodium version of your favorite canned items. Draining and rinsing canned food can reduce the sodium by about 41 percent, according to a study by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Adapted from: "Chef Charles Says", January 2011, Iowa Nutrition Network

February is all about the heart ? By Julie Lucas, Office Assistant to Health Services

February is American Heart Month. Put your knowledge to the test by identifying which of these statements are true and which are false:

1. The heart is a muscle True ? The heart is the hardest working muscle in the body, pumping enough blood in your lifetime to fill a supertanker!

2. As we grow older, it's best to rest as much as possible False ? The older you are, the more important regular physical exercise is to your well-being. Inactivity can lead to a downward spiral of decline. Ask your healthcare provider about an exercise program that's right for you.

3. Women need to worry more about breast cancer than heart disease

False ? Women are far more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than from breast cancer. It is a myth that heart disease is primarily a men's health problem. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.

4. If you have a family history of heart disease, you have exactly the same risk yourself

False ? Although your risk increases if a family member was diagnosed with heart disease, it's not all in the genes! A healthy lifestyle can cut your risk. Obesity and inactivity are greater risk factors than genetic inheritance for most people. Here are the steps to take to lower the risk: ? If you smoke, quit ? Take steps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol

level ? Increase physical activity ? Maintain a healthy weight ? If you are diabetic, follow your care plan

Adapted from Aging in Stride eNewsletter January 2012

Gwinnett County Senior Center Locations

Buford

2755 Sawnee Avenue Buford, GA 30518 (770) 614-2527

Lawrenceville

Rhodes-Jordan Park 225 Benson Street Lawrenceville, GA 30046

(770) 822-5180

Senior Services Helpline (678) 377-4150

Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Court Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 638-5683



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