Nutrition Problem in Davis Family

Davis family who are evacuating for hurricane faces several nutrition problems. One of the identifiable nutrition issues in the family is overweight and obesity. For example, Kevin and Brianna are 60 years, overweight, and obese. One nutrition strategy for overweight and obesity is healthy eating, which includes low-fat foods, high carbohydrates (low refined), high fiber, high protein (not liquid), and low energy dense foods (Min et al., 2008). Being on an evacuation mission, the family will not be in a position to cook their foods. One strategy that would work is packing healthy foods without high energy dense foods and high fats.

Eating healthy will not only be beneficial to the overweight and obese but also to individuals with nutrition-related (obese) conditions. For example, Kevin has hypertension and hyperlipidemia, while Brianna has type 2 diabetes. Although Kevin is relatively healthy, he has high lipids in the blood, which according to Abbas et al. (2016) is a lipid disorder causing hyperlipidemia. This is an indication that he has high blood cholesterol levels. One of the recommendations for Kevin is packing a heart-healthy diet by reducing the amount of saturated fats and Trans fats. As further elaborated by Abbas et al., a hyperlipidemia patient may reduce the intake of fats by limiting their intake of dairy products made with whole milk and red meat. Some of the options for Kevin include packing fat free dairy products, low fats, or skim milk. Kevin should pack whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts and avoid beverages and sugary foods. Through this, he will increase his fiber intake, which is beneficial. 

Another issue facing Kevin is high blood pressure, which requires the application of the DASH diet. According to Rai et al. (2017), DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets emphasizes food portions, eating a variety of foods and taking the right amount of nutrients. Yahia et al. (2008) recommend the intake of foods with low sodium, as well as, taking foods rich in nutrients that help in the reduction of blood pressure including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Rai et al. explain that the DASH regime is also effective for type 2 diabetes patients. In this case, Brianna who has type 2 diabetes will require to follow the DASH regime. 

The fourth nutrition consideration is the fact that Ashley is exclusively breastfeeding. Baby Ethan is only three weeks and depends on breast milk for all his nutrients. Yahia et al (2008) argue that healthy eating while pregnant is important because what one eats determines the vitamin, nutrient, proteins and energy content in the mother’s breast milk. One aspect to consider is the additional energy required by Ashley where she requires an addition of 500 kcal of energy. Ashley should thus, take health foods and fluids and avoid the intake of caffeine. This will include regular eating and drinking fruit juices, milk, and water as needed.

Another identified nutrition problem is poor feeding practices in children such as the case of Caleb and Sarah. Min et al (2008) argue that poor feeding among children may result to stunted growth and malnutrition. One effective strategy for picky children is mixing cereal with solid foods.  In addition, the family should ensure they offer solids in small increments. Being that they like juices and milk, the family should pack a lot of fruit juices and milk and limit solids to two or three times a day. Along with that, the family should continue providing the children with pediasure to ensure they receive all the required nutrients. Generally, healthy eating is key for the family, where they should not only pack sufficient foods but healthy foods. They should also pack drugs for all members under prescription.

References

Abbas, M., Malik, M., Hussa, A., Hussain, A., Hashmi, A., Jun, M., & Cheema, M. J. (2016). KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF DERAYAN OF DIABETES: A DESCRIPTIVE CR.

Min, J., Zhao, Y., Slivka, L., & Wang, Y. (2018). Double burden of diseases worldwide: coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition‐related non‐communicable chronic diseases. Obesity Reviews, 19(1), 49-61.

Rai, S. K., Fung, T. T., Lu, N., Keller, S. F., Curhan, G. C., & Choi, H. K. (2017). The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Western diet, and risk of gout in men: prospective cohort study. BMJ, 357, j1794.

Yahia, N., Achkar, A., Abdallah, A., & Rizk, S. (2008). Eating habits and obesity among Lebanese university students. Nutrition Journal, 7(1), 32.