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As a reminder, the in-person Learning Collaborative will be held tomorrow, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Wichita. We look forward to seeing administrators and managers from the OneCare Kansas (OCK) provider network in attendance!
Additionally, the State, in collaboration with Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute (WSU-CEI), is in the final stages of preparing the calendar of events for the upcoming year. Please stay tuned for the 2024 calendar of events, which will be available soon.
The State has updated the OneCare Kansas Partner (OCKP) Application to streamline the application process for potential network partners. The updated application is now available in a fillable PDF format, featuring an enhanced design to improve ease of use.
The updated application is available on the OCK webpage through this link. It can also be found in Appendix B of the OCK Program Manual.
The University of Kansas School of Medicine is hosting an eight-week tobacco treatment specialist (TTS) training from February 12, 2024, through October 13, 2024. This training program will give providers the knowledge and skills to integrate tobacco treatment into their current practices and to become tobacco prevention and treatment advocates.
The training will be delivered in a virtual and self-paced format. Some scholarships for the training program may be available, with priority given to those that serve rural areas or in behavioral health settings.
Those interested in participating in the training can complete the online application available here. For more information, please visit University of Kansas Tobacco Treatment Education Webpage.
Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States, showcasing the importance of adhering to a heart-healthy diet for its prevention. Making good dietary choices can substantially reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health. While transitioning to healthier eating habits may present challenges, understanding the right foods to include and those to avoid is the first step in preserving heart health.
A heart-healthy diet focuses on balanced and nutritious eating, emphasizing foods that reduce the risk of heart disease. The following dietary recommendations are key to promoting heart health.
Maintaining Portion Control
Ensuring a balance between the quantity and quality of food consumed is essential for overall health. Overeating can lead to excess calorie intake, which is detrimental to heart health. To manage portion sizes consider using smaller plates and monitoring servings at each meal, prioritizing nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods like fruits and vegetables while minimizing high-calorie and high-sodium options.
Embracing Fruits and Vegetables
Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one's diet is crucial for heart disease prevention. These foods are not only low in calories but also packed with essential nutrients and dietary fiber. When choosing fruits and vegetables, give preference to fresh or frozen options or select low-sodium canned varieties preserved in their natural juices or water. It is important to also exercise moderation when consuming certain fruits and vegetable items, especially those with added sugars, creamy sauces, or fried options.
Choosing Whole Grain Foods
Selecting whole grains over refined ones is critical to maintaining a healthy diet. Whole grains are packed with fiber and essential nutrients that support heart health. Opting for whole-grain options such as whole-grain bread, pasta, cereals, oats, brown rice, and barley can aid in blood pressure regulation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Limiting Unhealthy Fats
Achieving a balanced intake of fats is essential for maintaining optimal heart health. While some fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, others, like saturated and trans fats, can elevate cholesterol levels and increase the risk of coronary artery disease. To achieve this balance, prioritize heart-healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Reduce saturated and trans fat intake by choosing lean meats and limiting intake of butter, margarine, shortening, and processed foods.
Choosing Low-Fat Protein Sources
Incorporating healthier protein sources into one's diet can contribute to better heart health. Rather than opting for processed or high-fat protein sources, choose leaner options that offer numerous benefits. Consider healthier options like skinless chicken breasts, salmon, and other lean meats or poultry, along with low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt to reduce fat and cholesterol intake. Another excellent choice is incorporating legumes, which provide dietary fiber and are naturally cholesterol-free.
Reducing Sodium Intake
Excessive sodium consumption can elevate blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease. To maintain a heart-healthy diet, adults should limit sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, with most striving for 1,500 milligrams daily. To reduce sodium intake, opt for fresh, unprocessed foods and season with herbs and spices. When consuming processed foods, such as canned soup or condiments, opt for reduced-salt options.
Adopting a heart-healthy diet is important in preventing heart disease and promoting overall well-being. By following the recommendations provided in this article, individuals can proactively safeguard their heart health. While changing dietary habits may present challenges, the long-term benefits for overall quality of life are well worth the effort. For more information on ways to a healthy heart, visit this heart-healthy diet article.
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