August is National Wellness Month
Written By: Erin Williams, Dietetic Intern at the University of South Florida, College of Public Health
For many of us, wellness is a term with many meanings. As we age, it is possible to experience many different types of wellness, but often the emphasis is placed on physical and social wellness as these often become the most difficult to maintain in our later years. At Meals On Wheels of Tampa, our mission is aligned with enhancing and improving the ability of each of our recipients to experience the greatest degree of total wellness possible. We believe this starts with two things: the provision of proper nutrition and regular social interaction. Below, we will explore the impacts of these two areas on overall health.
Proper Nutrition
Sufficient, high-quality fuel for our bodies is the starting point of everything we do. With each balanced, whole food meal you consume, you are providing your body with the necessary building blocks to repair and strengthen your body as you age. Additionally, the progression and long-term risks of many diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease can be mediated through the consumption of medically tailored meals, such as those provided by MOW of Tampa, that consider what nutrients you may need to increase or limit in your diet given any specific diagnosis you carry.
Additionally, monthly Produce On Wheels (POW) deliveries provide recipients with seasonal fruits and vegetables which, when consumed, provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals necessary for the management of chronic disease and the promotion of physical wellness.
Finally, to help you maintain proper hydration, we also include a water bottle with each meal. Without enough water, our bodies are unable to perform many biological tasks necessary to sustain life, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure and organ function and even performing basic cognitive tasks. As we age, our thirst response becomes blunted, meaning that relying solely on our feeling of thirst to encourage drinking water will often lead to dehydration. Instead, many people find it helpful to track their water consumption throughout the day to ensure they get enough. You can even do this by refilling the 8oz water bottle that comes with your Meals On Wheels deliveries!
Social Connectedness
The importance of social connectedness has gained increased attention over the past several years, with the U.S. Surgeon General identifying social isolation and loneliness as important public health concerns. At Meals On Wheels of Tampa, we agree with this sentiment, making the provision of meals by kind, caring volunteers a central part of our mission. Beyond meal deliveries, we also would like to take the chance to encourage those recipients who may be struggling with social isolation to consider some local options to become more connected with others in the community:
- Seniors in Service – Provides “Health Buddies” weekly phone, video calls, and even visits from volunteers. Call (813) 492-8918 for more information.
- The Senior Connection Center, provided by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, provides a wide range of services from health education courses to senior-specific fitness classes. Call at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
We wish you all a very “well” August!
