DIETITIANS from Warrington are supporting Malnutrition Awareness Week next week by raising awareness of malnutrition and dehydration locally.
The first ever UK Malnutrition Awareness Week, which is organised by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) and the Malnutrition Task Force, aims to highlight the hidden problem of malnutrition in older people.
One in 10 people age 65 and over in the UK is malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Although malnutrition is a problem in hospitals and care homes, over 90 per cent of people affected by malnutrition are living at home, which can make it hard to spot the signs that poor nutrition is becoming a problem.
Linda Cantwell, Community Dietitian at North West Boroughs Healthcare, said:
“Unfortunately malnutrition is a growing problem in the UK and it’s really important to keep an eye out for signs you could be malnourished. The most common signs are losing interest in eating, weight loss and feeling tired or weak all the time.”
“Malnutrition isn’t a normal part of ageing and you should visit your GP if you think you may be malnourished our at risk of becoming malnourished. You should also keep an eye out for any relatives, friends or neighbours who may be at risk.”
Anyone who is worried about weight loss can complete a quick self-screening test online. It takes just five minutes and will tell you if are at risk of becoming malnourished. Find out more at: www.malnutritionselfscreening.org/self-screening.html
The Trust’s Community Nutrition and Dietetics Service in Knowlsey will also be hosting a nourishing afternoon tea party to promote the importance of good nutrition as we age.
You can follow daily tweets from the Trust during Malnutrition Awareness Week by following @NWBoroughsNHS and using the hashtag #MAW2018.
For more information visit: www.bapen.org.uk www.malnutritiontaskforce.org.uk
To find out more about the Knowsley Community Nutrition and Dietetics Service, visit: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/nutrition-and-dietetics-knowsley
