March 2023 is National Malnutrition Awareness Month!

Mal - bad / Nutrition-proper food for health and growth  

Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in people who are either undernourished or overnourished.

‍Undernutrition occurs when not enough essential nutrients are a part of a person’s diet or when these nutrients are used faster than they can be replaced. Overnutrition occurs in people who eat too much, eat the wrong things, don't exercise enough or take too many vitamins or other dietary replacements. A diet high in fat and salt can increase risk to overnutrition. Lack of knowledge, minimal access to a variety of foods, economic disadvantage, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of being diagnosed with malnutrition.

Knowing when torecognize malnutrition is important. Some signs and systems include:

Malnutrition can be diagnosed by your doctor through blood and urine tests that measure levels of vitamins, minerals and waste products.  If you know an individual with malnutrition, PCHC offers health promotion activity plans to support them with their care.

• Pale,thick and dry skin
• Stunted growth and intellectual development in children
• Weakness, faintness and fatigue
• Brittle hair, hair loss and loss of hair color
• Frequent and severe infections
• Gums that bleed easily
• Swollen stomach