August 4-10, 2013 International Assistance Dog Week

A Tribute To Service / Assistance Dogs

International Assistance Dog Week was established due to the efforts of Marcie Davis, a paraplegic for over 35 years and CEO of Davis Innovations, a consulting firm based in Santa Fe, NM.

International Assistance Dog Week

Davis is the author of “Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook,” and she is the host of the Internet radio program, “Working Like Dogs,” at http://www.petliferadio.com/.

International Assistance Dog Week was created to recognize all the devoted, hardworking assistance dogs helping individuals with disability-related limitations.

The Assistance Dogs help transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, aide, best friend and close member of their family.

The goals are to recognize and honor the assistance dogs; raise awareness and educate the public about how these specially trained animals are aiding  people in our communities; honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs; and recognize heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our communities.

America's VetDogs CFC

Description of the Various Types of Assistance Dogs

Guide Dogs. Assist people with vision loss, leading these individuals around physical obstacles and to destinations such as seating, crossing streets, entering or exiting doorways, elevators and stairways.

Service Dogs. Assist people with disabilities with walking, balance, dressing, transferring from place to place, retrieving and carrying items, opening doors and drawers, pushing buttons, pulling wheelchairs and aiding with household chores, such as putting in and removing clothes from the washer and dryer.

Hearing Alert Dogs. Alert people with a hearing loss to the presence of specific sounds such as doorbells, telephones, crying babies, sirens, another person, buzzing timers or sensors, knocks at the door or smoke, fire and clock alarms.

Seizure Alert/Seizure Response Dogs. Alert or respond to medical conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, panic attack, anxiety attack, post-traumatic stress and seizures.

Medical Alert/Medical Response Dogs. Alert to oncoming medical conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, panic attack, anxiety attack, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Assistance dogs are allowed to accompany their human partners to places of business including restaurants and shops. Under state law and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are guaranteed equal  access to any and all establishments and accommodations; no extra charge can be levied because of the dog.

Resources.

International Assistance Dog Week (www.assistancedogweek)
Working Like Dogs (http://www.workinglikedogs.com/)

Assistance Dogs International (http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org/)
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (http://www.iaadp.org/)

Parkinson's Awareness Month Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Michael J. Fox with Muhammad Ali:
Living With Parkinson's

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Kathrynne Holden is a registered dietitian who specializes in diet for Parkinson's disease (PD). Drawing on her former hospital experience, she has pioneered understanding of the unique nutrition needs of people with Parkinson's. Her aim is to provide the knowledge needed to prevent nutrition-related hospitalizations, make the best use of PD medications, and maintain an independent lifestyle.

“Some Parkinson medications can cause edema
(a build up of fluid in the tissues,
often in the ankles, lower legs, and wrists).
If you have edema, it’s important to get plenty
of potassium in the diet,
avoid too much salt and highly-processed
foods (potato chips, canned soups, pickles for example),
and stay in close touch with your physician.”

- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

Kathrynne Holden has written books and articles for the public, produced and has authored the professional's manual "PARKINSON'S DISEASE: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy." She has also developed the first nutrition risk assessment tools specific for PD. Kathrynne regularly speaks at Parkinson symposiums and conferences, and has conducted presentations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Research. Gerald C. McIntosh, M.D., Kathrynne E. Holden, M.S., R.D.: Risk for malnutrition and bone fracture in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly. Spring 1999; Vol. 18, No. 3.

Abstract. Conditions relating to Parkinson's disease include tremor, impaired balance, falls, constipation, food-medication interactions, and anorexia. Weight loss, bone thinning and muscle wasting are common, raising risk for malnutrition and bone fracture. This pilot study examines the lifestyle and dietary choices of 24 Parkinson's patients. Unplanned weight loss and falls were common, and most had multiple risk factors for malnutrition and fracture. Results support findings in previous studies and call for early nutrition intervention to help prevent fractures, muscle wasting, bowel impaction, and dehydration. The findings indicate that such intervention could prevent hospitalizations and related costs.

To learn more about the work of
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD visit:

Nutrition You Can Live With

Review of the literature on

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

There is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease. The nutritional goals include:

• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Consume adequate calories to maintain body weight within a normal range.
• Minimize food and drug interactions.
• If chewing, choking or excessive coughing becomes a problem, provide food consistency easily tolerated.
• Feeding may become difficult and a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

Eat Well-Balanced Meals

Eat a variety of foods. Include foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, bran, cereals, rice and pasta. Limit intake of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink eight cups of water per day. Balance exercise and food in order to maintain your weight within a healthy range. Ask your doctor if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications.

Medication and Food Interactions

Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may cause nausea. Let your doctor know if nausea is a problem. There are several ways to control nausea, including:

• Drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice), Clear sodas, sports drinks and plain gelatin.
• Avoid juices with pulp and orange and grapefruit juices.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Beverages should be consumed between meals, not with the meal.
• Choose bland foods such as saltine crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
• Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
• Foods should be eaten cold or at room temperature.
• After eating keep your head elevated and avoid brushing your teeth.

Some medications for Parkinson's disease may cause thirst or dry mouth. Include 8 or more cups of liquid each day, unless other medical conditions require you to limit your fluid intake. Add sauces to foods to make them moister. Try sour candy or an ice pop to help increase saliva.

Malnutrition may become a problem for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This could be related to depression, nausea, difficulty feeding, problems with swallowing, chewing, coughing and/or a loss of interest in food.

Patients who experience swallowing difficulties should consult a physician. The doctor may recommend a swallow study to determine the food consistency best tolerated. If feeding becomes difficult, a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinsons disease research, education and public advocacy. PDF is working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinsons by funding promising scientific research and supporting people with Parkinsons, their families and caregivers through educational programs and support services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has funded over $85 million worth of scientific research in Parkinsons disease, supporting the work of leading scientists throughout the world.

Click the following links to learn more about Parkinson's Awareness Month and World Parkinson's Disease Day.

Social Media
April 11, World #Parkinson's Day. Coffee consumption r/t decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease; FDA, Manual of MNT www.eatrightflorida.org

May is National Mediterranean Diet Month

The graphic to the left is the cover of the new Welcome to the Mediterranean Diet brochure prepared by Oldways and The Mediterranean Foods Alliance (MFA).  The information ties the pyramid to eight simple steps for healthier eating. Click the link above to get your own copy.


Barbara Ruhs, MS, RD, LDN is our guest blogger and Bashas' in-house dietitian. She provides grocery shoppers with the necessary tools and resources to improve health and manage a food budget.

Barbara graciously agreed to answer some questions about the Mediterranean Diet.

1. What makes the Mediterranean Diet unique?
In 1993 when The Mediterranean Diet was introduced by Oldways and the Harvard School of Public Health, it was unique from other pyramids and eating plans as it introduced the idea of “healthy fats” and also made the dietary recommendation that some alcohol in moderation had health benefits.  This was somewhat radical information back then.

In addition, the concept of “traditional diets” being the basis of a healthy diet was quite foreign (literally) to Americans. What exactly is a traditional American diet? Thanks to Oldways (literally, Old-Ways!), The Mediterranean Diet, emphasized the benefits of a “back to basics” approach – eating  WHOLE foods as well as setting a context (with family and friends) as a “method” as to how to maximize the benefits of eating a healthy diet. 

As a dietitian, I love the entire concept of the “Med” diet approach to educating consumers on how to choose a healthy diet. It’s practical and focuses on what to eat vs. what NOT to eat.

2. Is Bashas' only available in Arizona?

Yes, Bashas’ Family of Stores is a locally owned and operated grocery chain since 1932. Bashas’ Family of Stores is special in many ways as a retail grocer. The chain operates 4 different formats (store types). Bashas’ is the mainstream grocery chain. Food City is their Hispanic format featuring many exotic fruits & vegetables (nopales, agave, and nearly 30 different varieties of chili peppers). AJ’s Fine Foods is the upper-scale, gourmet format that offers locally-made chocolates, craft beers, gourmet cheese, a sushi bar, a gourmet deli destination with Panini’s, pizzas and more, as well as a gourmet produce section featuring unique items like baby portabellas and maitake mushrooms, a vast array of specialty produce items (dragonfruit, gooseberries) and more. Finally, Bashas’ is truly unique from any other retailer as they operate several reservation stores, “Dine” (there is an accent on the “e”)…pronounced “dee-nay.” This is a Navajo term that translates to “The People.” Dine stores are fully staffed with Native American residents living on the reservation(s) and 10% of all profits go directly back to a reservation scholarship fun. Bashas’ is truly a great company to work for!

3. How are the colored tags on foods useful to someone on the Internet?

The colorful nutrition tags are most useful to shopper in the stores as they are unavoidable reminders to shoppers of products unique nutritional qualities. It helps shoppers to find better nutritional values – a shopper can compare products for price & quality and now they can evaluate based on nutritional content too.

Online, the tags can serve as an educational tool to help any person learn how to shop for healthier options. The nutrition qualifications for the tags are in compliance with the FDA’s nutrition labeling standards. In addition, many of the tags have additional nutrition requirements. Making the criteria a bit stricter for products was a great opportunity for me as a dietitian to apply my skills from a variety of different career experiences. My background in public health, academics, athletics and private-practice allowed me to view this project as a possible solution to help a broad audience improve personal health.

4. Can someone in Florida easily follow the Mediterranean Diet?

Absolutely! Finding olive oil, avocados, beans, leafy greens, seafood, nuts and whole grains is as simple as visiting your local grocery store. You don’t need to travel to Italy to enjoy pizza nor do you need to be surrounded by the Mediterranean sea to enjoy traditional Greek favorites like tzaziki (yogurt dip with dill),  hummus (mashed chickpeas with tahini/sesame paste), or delectable kalamata olives. Feed your imagination!



To learn more about the Mediterranean Diet, visit the following links:

Bashas' Corporate Website

Oldways. May is Mediterranean Diet Month

The Mediterranean Foods Alliance (MFA)

Parkinson's Awareness Month Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

Michael J. Fox with Muhammad Ali:
Living With Parkinson's

Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

Kathrynne Holden is a registered dietitian who specializes in diet for Parkinson's disease (PD). Drawing on her former hospital experience, she has pioneered understanding of the unique nutrition needs of people with Parkinson's. Her aim is to provide the knowledge needed to prevent nutrition-related hospitalizations, make the best use of PD medications, and maintain an independent lifestyle.

“Some Parkinson medications can cause edema (a build up of fluid in the tissues,
often in the ankles, lower legs, and wrists). If you have edema, it’s important to get plenty of potassium in the diet, avoid too much salt and highly-processed
foods (potato chips, canned soups, pickles for example), and stay in
close touch with your physician.”

- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

Kathrynne Holden has written books and articles for the public, produced and has authored the professional's manual "PARKINSON'S DISEASE: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy." She has also developed the first nutrition risk assessment tools specific for PD. Kathrynne regularly speaks at Parkinson symposiums and conferences, and has conducted presentations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Research. Gerald C. McIntosh, M.D., Kathrynne E. Holden, M.S., R.D.: Risk for malnutrition and bone fracture in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study. Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly. Spring 1999; Vol. 18, No. 3.

Abstract. Conditions relating to Parkinson's disease include tremor, impaired balance, falls, constipation, food-medication interactions, and anorexia. Weight loss, bone thinning and muscle wasting are common, raising risk for malnutrition and bone fracture. This pilot study examines the lifestyle and dietary choices of 24 Parkinson's patients. Unplanned weight loss and falls were common, and most had multiple risk factors for malnutrition and fracture. Results support findings in previous studies and call for early nutrition intervention to help prevent fractures, muscle wasting, bowel impaction, and dehydration. The findings indicate that such intervention could prevent hospitalizations and related costs.

To learn more about the work of
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD visit:

Nutrition You Can Live With

Review of the literature on
Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease

There is no special diet for people with Parkinson's disease. The nutritional goals include:

• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Consume adequate calories to maintain body weight within a normal range.
• Minimize food and drug interactions.
• If chewing, choking or excessive coughing becomes a problem, provide food consistency easily tolerated.
• Feeding may become difficult and a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

Eat Well-Balanced Meals

Eat a variety of foods. Include foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, bran, cereals, rice and pasta. Limit intake of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Drink eight cups of water per day. Balance exercise and food in order to maintain your weight within a healthy range. Ask your doctor if alcohol will interfere with any of your medications.

Medication and Food Interactions

Medication used to treat Parkinson's disease may cause nausea. Let your doctor know if nausea is a problem. There are several ways to control nausea, including:

• Drink clear liquids, such as water, broth, fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice or cranberry juice), Clear sodas, sports drinks and plain gelatin.
• Avoid juices with pulp and orange and grapefruit juices.
• Eat and drink slowly.
• Beverages should be consumed between meals, not with the meal.
• Choose bland foods such as saltine crackers. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
• Eat smaller meals, more frequently throughout the day.
• Foods should be eaten cold or at room temperature.
• After eating keep your head elevated and avoid brushing your teeth.

Some medications for Parkinson's disease may cause thirst or dry mouth. Include 8 or more cups of liquid each day, unless other medical conditions require you to limit your fluid intake. Add sauces to foods to make them moister. Try sour candy or an ice pop to help increase saliva.

Malnutrition may become a problem for a person diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This could be related to depression, nausea, difficulty feeding, problems with swallowing, chewing, coughing and/or a loss of interest in food.

Patients who experience swallowing difficulties should consult a physician. The doctor may recommend a swallow study to determine the food consistency best tolerated. If feeding becomes difficult, a referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary for adaptive eating utensils.

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation( PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinsons disease research, education and public advocacy. PDF is working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinsons by funding promising scientific research and supporting people with Parkinsons, their families and caregivers through educational programs and support services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has funded over $85 million worth of scientific research in Parkinsons disease, supporting the work of leading scientists throughout the world.

Click the following links to learn more about Parkinson's Awareness Month and World Parkinson's Disease Day.