| RD Poll |
| Check out the Poll this week! It features 2 sample questions from the CD-HCF Newsletter. You can view the entire CD-HCF newsletter by clicking here and logging in (must be a current CD-HCF member) |
| ServSafe Classes |
It's time to sign up for this summer 's ServSafe Classes in San Jose and Vallejo.
Classes will be filled on a first come (sign up), first serve basis.
Sign up SOON and get a Discount!!!
Please share ServSafe information with your Dietary Department ;
- print out copy of pdf from HMC Site
or
- direct them to the HMC public website 'current news' page (smply click the link, and forward the page to them via email)
Thank You Very Much! | |
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Greetings!
Thank you for reading your 20th issue of the RDNews. You will find some valuable and interesting information about mulitvitamins and minerals in this issue. Please visit the sample poll this week and check out the results next week.
Pati |
| In The News |
Multivitamin & Mineral  Supplements
How often do you recommend a multi-vitamin and/or mineral supplement? MVM supplements may help some older adults prevent vitamin and mineral inadequacies by providing some "insurance." As stated in the HMC P&P Manual (Page 235) "Older residents generally have a decreased absorption and utilization of nutrients. Therefore, residents consuming less than 75% of meals, with abnormal lab values, increased nutrient needs, or underweight will usually benefit from a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement." These suplements are generally not a reimbursable medication, but rather provided as per physician order through the facility house supply. Each facility chooses their own product or brand to use for the generic order MV or MVM supplement.
The recent issue of "The Consultant Dietitian" (winter 2009 newsletter of the ADA Practice Group CD-HCF) had a lead article comparing mutivitamin and mineral supplements. The author concludes that "one particular MVM may not be appropriate for all older adults" and reinforces the value of the RD to assess the resident's nutrient deficits. There are a few facts in the article which may surprise dietitians. Read the full article on the HMC Staff Site. Of partcular note is that the most popular MVM do not contain any iron --- none! So if your usual practice is to recommend a MVM when you see a low HgB/Hct to ensure adequate iron, be aware that no iron is provided! Hmmm --- might be a reason why this in not effective! This article also gives valuable insights on calcium, Vitamin K (in all the supplements reviewed) and vitamin B12. |
| RD Tip |
Know what MVM product is provided in each facility where you consult. Educate the Director of Nursing on the differences in products. When you recommend a MVM, be sure you know what it is supposed to provide. Perhaps even ask a charge nurse to be sure that a MV only product is not being substituted for the MVM order. Most importantly, the professional skills of the RD are needed to assess the resident and determine any nutrient deficit and if that can be corrected through altering the foods provided or a supplement is warranted.
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Dear Dietitians: |
 Did you hear? There is a new ADA practice group for dietitians and if you work in LTC, you really should be a member. More than thrity years ago a group of LTC dietitians joined together and created the first practice group --- CD-HCF. Just this week, "Dietitians in Health Care Communities" officially launched as ADA dietetic practice group (DPG) #31 --- the new name for CD-HCF. The above article is an example of the relevance, quality resources and references provided by the practice group. There is also a list-serve, access to the member's only website, discounted publications, free CPEUs, volunteer opportunities and networking with peers, plus more.
LTC consulting can be a lonely profession without a support network. At HMC, we strive to keep in contact with our staff, provide cutting-edge information and be your support system. For your professional growth, we highly recommend membership in DHCC. Visit their website.
Make it a great week, Lee
Lee Tincher, MS, RD
President
HM Composite, Inc.
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Registered Dietitian Newsletter