Nutrition for Seniors Foremost at Christian Health Care Center

First Lady Michelle Obama has recently turned national attention to the subject of
good nutrition for children, but at Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) in
Wyckoff, good nutrition for seniors has always been a focus to meet the
nutritional needs of the senior population served at CHCC.

The Food and Nutrition Services Department (FANS) at Christian Health Care
Center (CHCC) strives to communicate healthy-eating messages that emphasize a
balance of food and beverages.  To this end, it is the total diet that is
the most important focus of healthy eating. Most favorite foods can fit within
this pattern, if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and
combined with physical activity.

CHCC’s registered dietitians lead a number of educational sessions for CHCC’s
patients, residents, clients, and consumers, including monthly Post-acute Care
Unit Nutrition Notes, Heritage Manor Nursing Home Dining Diary, and Nutrition
Notes for residents at CHCC’s The Longview Assisted Living Residence, Hillcrest
Residence, and Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wayne and Wyckoff, and weekly Nutrition Groups for Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital and the Ramapo Ridge Partial Program. They also provide a number of staff education
opportunities. 

“FANS is committed to providing a variety of foods that make up balanced meals for our residents, patients, clients, and consumers, as well as our CHCC staff
members,” said George La Mar, FANS Director. “And our registered dietitians are
committed to providing comprehensive nutritional guidance that fits within
lifestyle and health-care parameters.”  

Registered dietitians translate nutrition science into practical and applicable
ways for people to bring nutritious foods into their daily lives. It is their
role to discern between fact and fiction and give people the tools to make
realistic eating-behavior changes.

“We want to focus attention on the importance of making informed food and
nutrition choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits,” said Joan Katz, RD, FANS Chief Dietitian.

Ms. Katz has participated in a large number of speaking engagements in the
community, including senior centers in Fair Lawn, Haworth, Midland Park, and
Hawthorne; Parkinson’s Support Group; Jewish Community Center of Washington
Township; area churches and synagogues; and Montclair State University
Undergraduate Dietetic Program.

Eating right is essential to keeping your body running at its best. Throughout
the year, the CHCC registered dietitians encourage you to build an eating plan
with your unique lifestyle and nutritional needs in mind. So whether you're a
nurse, housekeeper, painter, or a resident, it’s important to make good
nutrition a priority.