- Apr
- 5
- 2018
Food & nutrition changes that are good for all of us
Did you know that a poor diet causes nearly half of all U.S. deaths due to heart disease, stroke and diabetes? The typical Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) contains too much salt, processed and red meats, fast food, and sugary drinks, all of which have contributed to the epidemic rates of obesity in the United States. About twice as many Americans are estimated to die each year from eating hot dogs and other processed meats than from car accidents – that’s SAD, but it’s also PREVENTABLE.
As a leader and innovator in healthcare, Northwell Health values healthy food as medicine to make a positive impact on the healing and well-being of our patients, team members and communities. Through the Food and Nutrition Transformation currently underway, Northwell is committed to making positive changes to how we cook and source foods that we serve to our patients, visitors and the 66,000 team members we rely on every day to care for our communities.
“In order to take exceptional care of our patients, we must also take good care of ourselves,” says Pat Flynn, AVP of Employee Wellness. “One way we can focus on keeping our workforce safe and well, is to provide a healthy work environment with food and drink that promote healthy choices.”
One pillar of the Food and Nutrition Transformation is the Northwell Healthy Choice — an ongoing commitment to serve foods that taste good, are good for you and support the environment. Following national nutritional criteria for heart healthy eating, patients, visitors and team members can choose from a Healthy Choice hot meal or cold grab-n-go selection each day, as well as find snacks and drinks that meet Healthy Choice criteria, in our cafeterias, coffee shops, gift shops, vending machines. We’re also making sure that our office pantries have access to the same healthy options.
By eating more foods rich in nutrients, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans, lean meats and fish, you will support your body and self-care in many ways:
Boost your immunity
Reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers
Keep you feeling full and energized longer
Improve your weight
Each week, from now through June, we will be highlighting major Food and Nutrition Transformation achievements that are being implemented to keep our patients, our communities and each other, safe and well.