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Prior to the year 1990, the year the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) was signed into law, nutrition information was not always required to be put on packaged foods at the grocery store. Before the NLEA, nutrition information was only required on foods that were fortified with vitamins, minerals, or protein. It was not until 1994 that the first nutrition facts label was created, just one year after recommended serving sizes were established in 1993.
The NLEA required food labels to contain: serving size, number of calories, grams of fat, saturated fat, total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, protein, milligrams of cholesterol and sodium, and certain vitamins and minerals. Since the creation of the label, only a few revisions have been made. The most recent revision was in January 2020, with the biggest difference being the inclusion of “grams of added sugars”.
The first step is to look at the serving size at the top of the label. This is because all the information on the label is based on this recommended serving size.
Note: it is not a strict recommendation of how much you should eat or drink.
However, pay attention and take a mental note of how much you are eating or drinking. If you are consuming about double the serving size, then everything on that label is doubled.
This is the amount of energy you are getting from the product. Calories are calculated
from the 3 macronutrients – protein, carbohydrate, and fat. As stated at the bottom of the nutrition facts label, 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition
advice. Note: calorie needs vary based on age, gender, height/weight, and activity level.
Fats are a macronutrient essential for our health, but not all fats are created equally. On the label, “Total Fat” is always bolded, and underneath it is “Saturated Fat” and “Trans Fat”. These fats raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and should be consumed minimally. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to reduce trans fats in the food supply, labeling them as not “Generally Recognized as Safe”. Trans fats should be avoided, as the American Heart Association recommends less than 1% of energy intake be from trans fats. The best way to know if there are trans fats in your food is to look at the ingredients list, where it will say “partially hydrogenated oils”. Saturated fats are more prominent in certain foods and examples include red meats, whole milk dairy products (milk, cheese), butter, pastries/cookies, and coconut and palm oil.
On the other hand, unsaturated fats are healthy fats that can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Foods that include unsaturated fats include avocados, olives and olive oil, fatty fish (ex: salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, herring), egg yolks, and nuts and seeds. Aim for more of these in your diet to achieve healthy cholesterol levels.
Dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol are not one in the same. Dietary cholesterol is found in food, specifically animal-based foods (meats, dairy, eggs). It is especially high in processed meats (ex: hot dogs, sausages). It can also be found in baked goods made with eggs, butter, or cream. There are no longer strict recommendations for dietary cholesterol. It is instead recommended to focus on limiting saturated fats and focus on consuming more plant-based foods and whole grains to achieve an overall healthier diet.
Per the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended intake of sodium per day is no more than 2,300 mg/day. For those with high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure, or chronic kidney disease, daily recommendations are lower at around 1,500 mg/day. Sodium adds up fast as there are typically very high amounts in canned goods, frozen meals, snack foods, and fast food. Look for labels stating “low sodium”, or similar, at the grocery store.
This section includes the three types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch, and fiber. Although starches are not listed on the nutrition facts label, they are still included within the bolded “total carbohydrates” number. For example, if total carbohydrates are 34 grams, fiber is 4 grams, and sugars are 12 grams, then there are 18 grams of starch (4+12+18 = 34). Fiber is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and it is very beneficial for our digestion, blood sugar management, and heart health.
A newer addition, as of January 2020, is the “added sugars” section, which tells us how many added sugars are included within “total sugars”, as total sugars equals natural sugars (dairy, fruit) and added sugars (sweets, candy, sodas, etc.) For example, if total sugars are 12 grams but added sugars are 10 grams, then only 2 grams of sugar are from a natural source.
This is the percentage of the daily value for each nutrient in a serving of food. It can show you how much of a nutrient in a serving of a food contributes to a total daily diet, and if a food is high or low in a nutrient. I like to recommend the “5% vs 20% rule” to make smart decisions easier at the grocery store. Any nutrient that is listed at 5% daily value or less is considered a low amount of the nutrient, whereas any nutrient that is listed at 20% daily value is considered a high amount of the nutrient. This tool is valuable when comparing and contrasting different items and brands at a grocery store.
Nutrients to choose less of (<20% DV): Saturated/trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, added sugars.
Nutrients to choose more of (>5% DV): Fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium
If you are unable to read the small print but can read it close up, consider bringing a magnifying glass, or use the free “magnifier” app on your iPhone. For Android users, there is a free app called “Visor” that provides you with a magnifying glass straight from your cell phone. For those who cannot see at all, consider bringing a friend of family member as a shopping assistant. Or there is an app called “Be My Eyes” on both iPhone and Android, which can read a nutrition label out loud for you.
Laura O'Hara MS, RD/LD, Nutrition Education Program Manager
Laura was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and landed in Oklahoma City after graduating college at Oklahoma State University (go pokes!) She obtained a master's degree in nutrition, and officially became a Registered Dietitian in 2019. Since then, Laura has worked with people of all ages and all conditions, from neonates to seniors. Laura says, "My passion for the senior population grew immensely when I heard of and learned about ArchWell Health and their value-based care model, and I quickly realized the growing need for and importance of nutrition education in this specific population."
For professionals serving seniors, a home can sometimes be the biggest piece of the transition puzzle.But what happens when that home isn't an ordinary property?What if your client owns a $1 million, $2 million or multimillion-dollar luxury or waterfront home?A senior may be downsizing, transitioning to independent or assisted living, moving closer to family, settling an estate, or simply deciding that maintaining a large property no longer makes sense.For senior living professionals, elder law attorneys, estate planners, financial advisors, care managers, move managers and other professionals helping with that transition, there is an important option worth knowing about:The homeowner may be able to sell a luxury property privately and directly, without first putting it on the public market.Why Can Selling a Senior's Luxury Home Be Different?Luxury and waterfront properties can present challenges that aren't always present in a typical home sale.The property may be a waterfront estate on Casey Key, a residence on Bird Key, a condominium overlooking Sarasota Bay, or a distinctive home on Siesta Key or Longboat Key.The owner may have lived there for decades.The home may contain valuable possessions, artwork and deeply personal belongings. It may need updating. Adult children may live hundreds of miles away. And the family may already be coordinating a significant life transition.For some homeowners, maximum exposure to the real estate market is the priority. In that situation, publicly marketing the property may make sense.But other seniors have very different priorities:Privacy. Simplicity. Certainty. Flexibility.They may not want strangers repeatedly touring their home.They may not want photographs of their home's interior and possessions published online.They may not want to renovate, stage or prepare the property for the luxury market.And they may not want their move dependent upon months of marketing, inspections and a buyer obtaining financing.For those homeowners, a private direct sale may be another option worth considering.Can a Senior Sell a Luxury Home Without Publicly Listing It?Yes.A luxury homeowner can explore a direct sale without first broadly marketing the property.Private Luxury Home Sales considers select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast for direct purchase. A homeowner can request a confidential property review before deciding whether a private sale or broader market exposure better fits their objectives.This can allow an owner to explore an offer without first going through the traditional process of preparing and publicly marketing the property.Why Might Privacy Matter to an Older Luxury Homeowner?For some affluent seniors, privacy isn't simply a preference.It can be an important part of the selling decision.Imagine a homeowner who has spent 25 or 30 years in the same waterfront residence.Inside may be family photographs, artwork, collections, jewelry, antiques and other personal possessions.A traditional luxury marketing campaign can involve professional photography, video, aerial photography, online advertising and numerous people entering the property.Some homeowners are completely comfortable with that exposure.Others aren't.A private direct sale provides another route. When Private Luxury Home Sales evaluates a property for potential direct purchase, broad public marketing isn't necessary merely to consider the home. For a senior who values discretion, that difference can matter.Does the Luxury Home Need to Be Renovated First?Not necessarily.One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding high-value real estate is that every luxury property must be extensively updated before it can be sold.A longtime owner may have an exceptional property in an exceptional location while the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring or other features are dated.Preparing that property for the retail luxury market could potentially involve substantial renovations, contractors, staging and months of work.A direct buyer evaluates the property differently.Private Luxury Home Sales considers properties as-is, including residences requiring updates or significant renovation. That can be particularly relevant when an older homeowner or the homeowner's family doesn't want to oversee a major renovation before selling.Which Senior Clients Might Benefit From Knowing About This Option?You don't need to determine whether a private sale is right for your client.You simply need to recognize situations where having another option could be valuable.Consider the homeowner who is:Downsizing from a large luxury residence. Transitioning into independent or assisted living. Moving closer to adult children. Managing a home after the death of a spouse. Selling an inherited luxury or waterfront property. Handling a property through an estate or trust. Living out of state while responsible for a parent's Florida property. Facing substantial deferred maintenance or renovation. Concerned about privacy and public exposure. Looking for greater certainty about the timing of the sale. Those are situations where understanding both the public-market and private-sale alternatives can help a family make a more informed decision.What's the Most Important Question to Ask Your Client?There is one question professionals can ask that may reveal a great deal:What matters most to you when the home is sold?Listen carefully to the answer.Is it achieving maximum exposure to the marketplace?Maintaining privacy?Avoiding repairs?Controlling the closing date?Avoiding repeated showings?Reducing uncertainty?Making the transition as simple as possible?There isn't one correct answer.The homeowner's priorities should help determine which selling strategy deserves consideration.Private Sale vs. Traditional Luxury ListingA private direct sale and a traditional luxury listing serve different objectives.Traditional public marketing provides broader exposure to potential buyers and may create greater price discovery and competition.A private direct sale can emphasize privacy, simplicity, convenience, an as-is transaction and greater certainty about the process.Neither approach should automatically be assumed to be right for every senior homeowner.The value to your client comes from understanding that there is more than one option.One More Resource for Your Professional ToolboxProfessionals serving seniors don't need to become real estate experts.But they are frequently the first people to recognize a problem.A senior living advisor may hear:Mom is ready to move, but we don't know what to do with the house.An elder law attorney may be helping a family deal with an estate containing a multimillion-dollar residence.A move manager may discover that preparing a 4,000-square-foot waterfront home for the market is becoming overwhelming.A financial advisor may have a client whose largest single asset is a luxury property.Knowing that a confidential direct-sale option exists gives you another resource to share with the family.Private Luxury Home Sales specializes in select luxury, waterfront and distinctive properties throughout Sarasota and Florida's Gulf Coast. Its Seniors Blue Book profile specifically includes waterfront estates, Gulf and bayfront homes, boating properties, inherited luxury homes, second homes and properties requiring substantial updating. When You Encounter the Right ClientIf you're working with a senior or family who owns a luxury or waterfront property, consider asking one additional question:Would they like to understand their private-sale option before deciding how to sell the property?There is no obligation to accept an offer simply because the property is evaluated.Sometimes the homeowner will determine that traditional market exposure is the better choice.Sometimes privacy, simplicity and certainty will matter more.Either way, knowing the options before making the decision is valuable.Private Luxury Home SalesSarasota & Florida Gulf CoastPrivate Direct As-Is Close on Your Timeline For more information, please contact Jeff Nemeth at 941-202-6957
Life can take you anywhere until knee arthritis pain slows you down. Whether its walking, golfing, traveling, or playing with your grandkids, the activities you love shouldnt be limited by chronic knee pain. So, whats the solution?For many, knee replacement surgery is an effective option to reduce pain from arthritis and continue to live an active life. The great news is that there are several different types of knee replacement surgery, as well as advanced surgical techniques that can even speed up your healing.Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing for surgery, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AdventHealth can help you understand the different types of knee replacement procedures and what to expect throughout your recovery journey.Who Needs Knee Replacement SurgeryThe leading cause of knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint. As the damage progresses, pain and stiffness can worsen over time, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:Gradual knee pain that worsens with activityKnee stiffnessKnee swellingPain after extended sitting or restingKnee pain that continues to get worseIf you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will start by offering the most conservative treatments to alleviate your pain.Some initial treatments for knee osteoarthritis might include:Weight lossPhysical therapyAnti-inflammatory medicationsCortisone injectionsViscosupplementation or gel injectionsIf these strategies are not helpful and your condition worsens, your doctor might offer knee replacement surgery as a promising option to reduce pain and return to the active life you love again.Types of Knee Replacement SurgeryNot every knee replacement is the same. While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.What to Expect Before Knee Replacement SurgeryOnce you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, youll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.Once this step is completed, youll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. This person will be able to drive you home, get any prescribed medications and help maintain your comfort after surgery.Your medical team might also advise you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners, NSAIDs like aspirin or other supplements) up to a week before your surgery date. Youll also be advised to fast prior to surgery. In most cases, you cant have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery.Some other ways to prepare your home ahead of time include:Setting up your comfortable space for resting and elevating your legClearing the floor and pathways of fall and trip risks such as rugsHaving ice packs frozen and ready for when you return homeWhat to Expect During Knee Replacement SurgeryYour exact recovery will depend on exactly what type of procedure you are having as well as your overall health. Some patients may have outpatient knee replacement surgery and go home the same day. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Other knee replacement procedures may require you to stay in the hospital from one to four days.On the day of surgery, you'll be prepped for the procedure and given anesthesia. Most knee replacement surgeries take about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you'll recover under close observation before receiving instructions on pain management, medications, physical therapy and follow-up care. To help you safely regain mobility, you'll likely use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery.What to Expect After Knee Replacement SurgeryYour surgeon will provide you with a follow-up appointment and a prescription for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to regain your strength and get optimal results from your knee replacement. Physical therapy usually begins immediately after surgery and may continue for up to six weeks.After roughly six weeks, most knee replacements are up to 80% healed. After three months, most achieve 90% healing and by one year, most patients are back to their active lifestyle with nearly complete knee function and comfort.Whole-Person Orthopedic CareOur orthopedic experts offer advanced knee replacement options that put your whole-health first. To learn more about the services we offer, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.
Looking for comfortable, worry-free senior living in Sarasota? Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers assisted living and memory care options in a beautiful community designed to provide comfort, convenience, and connection.With shared apartments starting at $3,875, residents can enjoy all-inclusive pricing that includes utilities, three meals each day, weekly cleaning, linens and laundry, daily trash pickup, and assistance with daily activities such as dressing, grooming, and showering.Suncoast Club at Prestancia offers a variety of room options, including private standard suites, one-bedroom/one-bath apartments, and one-bedroom/two-bath apartments. Additional services and accommodations are also available to help meet individual needs.Residents can enjoy inviting common areas, comfortable dining spaces, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities for social engagement and activitiesall while receiving personalized support in a welcoming environment.Located at 3749 Sarasota Square Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238, Suncoast Club at Prestancia provides assisted living and memory care with a focus on helping residents enjoy each day with comfort and peace of mind.Call 941-922-1669 or visit SuncoastClubSL.com to learn more and schedule a visit.
Welcome to ArchWell Health, where we believe small things can make a big difference. Our mission is simple: to help seniors live healthier, fuller lives through high-quality primary care and meaningful doctor-patient relationships.At ArchWell Health, care is built around you. As a member, youll have access to a team that takes the time to listen, understand your needs, and support your health with a personalized approach.Why members choose ArchWell HealthMore time with your doctorWe focus on building real relationships through regular check-ups, routine screenings, and quality time with your care team. This helps catch potential health concerns early and keeps your care on track.Personalized care plansNo two patients are the same. Thats why we create wellness plans tailored to your individual health goals, lifestyle, and needs.Care you can count onFrom same-day appointments to ongoing support, our team is committed to providing the attention, guidance, and care you deserve.Our approach to careWe believe better health starts with a stronger connection between patient and provider. Our highly trained medical professionals deliver expert care with compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping every member thrive.Comprehensive primary care servicesAs your primary care provider, ArchWell Health offers a wide range of services to support your overall well-being, including: Routine wellness visits Preventive health screenings Lab work Acute care for illness or minor health concerns Nutrition education Vaccinations Care management On-site referrals to licensed social workers Cardiology telehealth servicesYour partner in better healthAt ArchWell Health, were more than a healthcare provider were your partner in wellness. Our goal is to make it easier for you to access the care you need, stay proactive about your health, and feel supported every step of the way.Find an ArchWell Health location near you and become a member today. Your path to better health starts here.Locations:5100 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 101, Fort Myers 339075660 Bayshore Rd. Ste. 42, North Fort Myers 33917
Welcome to ArchWell Health, where we believe small things can make a big difference. Our mission is simple: to help seniors live healthier, fuller lives through high-quality primary care and meaningful doctor-patient relationships.At ArchWell Health, care is built around you. As a member, youll have access to a team that takes the time to listen, understand your needs, and support your health with a personalized approach.Why members choose ArchWell HealthMore time with your doctorWe focus on building real relationships through regular check-ups, routine screenings, and quality time with your care team. This helps catch potential health concerns early and keeps your care on track.Personalized care plansNo two patients are the same. Thats why we create wellness plans tailored to your individual health goals, lifestyle, and needs.Care you can count onFrom same-day appointments to ongoing support, our team is committed to providing the attention, guidance, and care you deserve.Our approach to careWe believe better health starts with a stronger connection between patient and provider. Our highly trained medical professionals deliver expert care with compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping every member thrive.Comprehensive primary care servicesAs your primary care provider, ArchWell Health offers a wide range of services to support your overall well-being, including: Routine wellness visits Preventive health screenings Lab work Acute care for illness or minor health concerns Nutrition education Vaccinations Care management On-site referrals to licensed social workers Cardiology telehealth servicesYour partner in better healthAt ArchWell Health, were more than a healthcare provider were your partner in wellness. Our goal is to make it easier for you to access the care you need, stay proactive about your health, and feel supported every step of the way.Find an ArchWell Health location near you and become a member today. Your path to better health starts here.Locations:6363 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 342094430 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 342076832 14th St. W., Ste. 3, Bradenton, FL 342074265 Tamiami Trl., Port Charlotte, FL 339803506 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231543 Tamiami Trl. S., Venice, FL 34285
Welcome to ArchWell Health, where we believe small things can make a big difference. Our mission is simple: to help seniors live healthier, fuller lives through high-quality primary care and meaningful doctor-patient relationships.At ArchWell Health, care is built around you. As a member, youll have access to a team that takes the time to listen, understand your needs, and support your health with a personalized approach.Why members choose ArchWell HealthMore time with your doctorWe focus on building real relationships through regular check-ups, routine screenings, and quality time with your care team. This helps catch potential health concerns early and keeps your care on track.Personalized care plansNo two patients are the same. Thats why we create wellness plans tailored to your individual health goals, lifestyle, and needs.Care you can count onFrom same-day appointments to ongoing support, our team is committed to providing the attention, guidance, and care you deserve.Our approach to careWe believe better health starts with a stronger connection between patient and provider. Our highly trained medical professionals deliver expert care with compassion, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping every member thrive.Comprehensive primary care servicesAs your primary care provider, ArchWell Health offers a wide range of services to support your overall well-being, including: Routine wellness visits Preventive health screenings Lab work Acute care for illness or minor health concerns Nutrition education Vaccinations Care management On-site referrals to licensed social workers Cardiology telehealth servicesYour partner in better healthAt ArchWell Health, were more than a healthcare provider were your partner in wellness. Our goal is to make it easier for you to access the care you need, stay proactive about your health, and feel supported every step of the way.Find an ArchWell Health location near you and become a member today. Your path to better health starts here.Locations:5100 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 101, Fort Myers 339075660 Bayshore Rd. Ste. 42, North Fort Myers 33917