Eat Right. Bite by Bite. – This National Nutrition Month
At Care Resource, we believe that eating nutritious and fresh food is an integral part of holistic health. This National Nutrition Month, we encourage our patients and community members to focus on the importance of making well-informed food choices based on the options that are accessible to them.
Additionally, healthy living is about more than eating a fresh dish, and a good meal begins where it’s prepared. Whenever possible, parents should take time to shop and cook with their children, empowering them to make good choices later on in life.
“Children are more likely to include healthier foods in their diet if they are consistently exposed, so avoid having sodas, fruit juice, and junk food at home. If these are not available, your children are less likely to consume them on a daily basis. Please encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables by offering them in different forms. Last but not least, physical activity can take any form—hold a dance party or jumping jack contest with your kids!” -Gloria Cabral, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian at Care Resource.
National Nutrition Month raises awareness around the message that quality nutrition is not restrictive and that small changes to a diet can have a cumulative effect on health over time. Care Resource recognizes the social determinants of health, including those that can affect access to healthy and nutritious food. We encourage our patients to commit to one small change as they embark on a journey to overall wellness.
In support of our communities facing food insecurity, Food for Life Network food pantry (FFLN), a subsidiary of Care Resource, provides food and nutritional assistance for those living with chronic illnesses in Miami-Dade County. FFLN delivers groceries and meals, provides access to health and nutrition specialists, and provides referrals for social services and no-cost STI screenings.
Furthermore, general wellness includes sexual, emotional, and physical health. In addition to eating nutritious produce, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains, it is essential to set aside time for some form of physical activity. Low-cost options include walking in one’s neighborhood, stretching, or joining a free yoga class. If patients seek more information on how they can increase their quality of life, our Care Resource providers will support them in integrating emotional and physical health into their overall health.
This month and beyond, we look to support our communities in incorporating healthier habits into their lives. Small changes lead to big impacts, and healthy individuals make healthy communities.
For more information on Food for Life Network food pantry, please visit foodforlifenetwork.org.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
