Malnutrition Awareness Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2020

Contact: Dan Hoblick, Department of Human Services, 605-773-6463

 

Malnutrition Awareness Week

 

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the week of October 5-9 Malnutrition Awareness Week (MAW) in South Dakota.

 

MAW aims to educate healthcare professionals and consumers of the importance of discussing nutritional status.

 

South Dakota Department of Human Services Secretary Shawnie Rechtenbaugh said, “Older adults are at a higher risk of malnutrition due to age, medications, and food insecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation has contributed to an increased risk of malnutrition in older adults.”  

 

Despite the recognized link between good nutrition and good health, nutrition screening and intervention have not been systemically incorporated across the continuum of care.  

 

Each day, approximately 15,000 hospital patients with malnutrition go undiagnosed. Patients with malnutrition have higher hospital costs, longer stays, and increased mortality.

 

This statewide observation coincides with National Malnutrition Awareness Week, a national awareness campaign that takes place each year.

 

For more information on MAW, please visit http://www.nutritioncare.org/maw/.

 

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