Can I Afford Nutrition Services?

• What are the 8 of the 10 leading causes of death ?

  8 of the 10 leading causes of death are related to diet and alcohol.   Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help reduce your cancer risk. That’s one reason the American Cancer Society recommends eating at least 5 servings of these foods every day.  The recommended portion size for meat is 3 ounces: the size of a deck of cards,  but you wouldn’t know it from the huge portions being advertised and readily available in your local fast food restaurant.   Controlling food portions is a great start for weight loss.  Alcoholism is a chronic disease that lasts for a lifetime.   Chronic alcohol abuse increases a person’s risk for developing serious health problems, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer (especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, and throat), and pancreatitis.   Expert guidance on portion control and moderate consumption of all foods and drinks including alcohol, can be provided by your Registered Dietitian(RD).

• How much is being spent on cancer related incidents?

  $104 B is being spent for cancer related incidents each year.    Prevention, what you eat and drink, how active you are, and other lifestyle behaviors all can affect your risk for cancer.  The body seems to use certain nutrients in vegetables and fruits to protect against damage to tissues that happens constantly as a result of normal metabolism (oxidation).  Because such damage is linked with increased cancer risk, the so-called antioxidant nutrients are thought to protect against cancer. Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E,  Your Registered Dietitian (RD) can best provide advice and nutrition guidance for disease prevention.

• How much does Coronary heart disease and Diabetes costs ?

  Coronary heart disease and Diabetes costs exceed $200B each year.  Your A1C is measured by a simple blood test that’s ordered by your healthcare provider. Your A1C result shows your average blood glucose (or blood sugar) level for the last 3 months, so it’s different from the tests you do at home with a glucose meter.  The A1C goal for most people with diabetes is less than 7%.  Unfortunately, almost half of adults with diabetes have an A1C of 7% or higher.  Each 1% decrease in A1C translates into 35% – 40% decrease in the frequency of microvascular complications.   Individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) provided by a Registered Dietitian (RD) is a critical component of managing A1C, blood pressure and serum cholesterol.

• How much is being spent on “quick fix” weight loss solutions?

  $33B is spent on illusionary “quick fix” weight loss solutions. Although there are numerous strategies that can be used to weight loss goals, best practice dictates the use of the American Dietetic Association’s Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines (NPGs) and the MNT protocols.  A professional Registered Dietitian (RD) is best prepared to provide this care with lasting results.

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Araceli Vázquez, MS, RD, LD

Araceli is one of the few bilingual/bicultural dietitians in North Texas. She began her career in nutrition in 1996 after a successful career as a Microbiologist. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in community, clinical, bariatric, and renal nutrition. Her ability reach audiences with diverse cultural backgrounds and a variety of dietary needs, allows her to provide patients with sound practical advice. View More About Araceli