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Individuals enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare will start to receive mail on November 1st regarding changes to their dual enrollment plans. If you are enrolled in both healthcare programs, your insurance could be changing to Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI). MMAI is a voluntary health program for people with both Medicaid and Medicare. In MMAI, individuals will be able to receive all health benefits through one plan and have only one card when they go to the doctor, hospital, or pharmacy; simplifying the way individuals access their benefits. Through MMAI, beneficiaries can get all of their benefits through one health plan, instead of accessing different types of benefits separately through Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid. Beneficiaries must use the plan’s network of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. MMAI is not a HealthChoice Illinois Program. As a consumer, it is important to know and understand what all of these changes mean, what your options are, and what works best for you. Enrollment If you are on both Medicaid and Medicare, you may receive information in the mail explaining that you have been automatically enrolled in a MMAI program. You will have 60 days before the effective date to choose a different plan or to opt-out of MMAI completely. If you take no action, you will remain automatically enrolled in the plan listed on your notice. Qualifying individuals will be automatically enrolled in a MMAI program. Beneficiaries will receive an enrollment packet with their selected plan in the mail. Individuals will have at least 60 days before the effective date to choose their plan or opt-out of MMAI completely. If no active choice is made by the individual, Client Enrollment Services will proceed with passive enrollment into the MMAI plan listed in the notice. An individual can enroll, disenroll, or switch MMAI plans at any time of the year, even if the beneficiary is automatically enrolled Reminder: all enrollment/disenrollment is conducted through Client Enrollment Services – so dial MMAI Ombudsman at 877-912-8880 Disenrollment date will be effective the 1st of the month, following the month of the disenrollment request If a beneficiary chooses to opt out of MMAI, they will return to Original Medicare, FFS Medicaid, and a standalone PDP. For Randolph County residents that have never been enrolled in an MMAI plan before: MMAI provides a 180 day “Transition Period” for brand new MMAI plan enrollees where the beneficiary can continue seeing out of network providers if they are receiving current ongoing treatment What does this mean: if a patient was auto-enrolled in a plan that Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice is not in network with, they have a 180 day grace period to continue seeing Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice providers before they will need to find an in-network provider or switch to a plan Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice accepts For individuals that have been in MMAI plans prior to 2021, the transition period is 90 days for switching plans What does this mean: if a patient was auto-enrolled in a plan that Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice is not in network with and have been in MMAI before, they have a 90 day grace period to continue seeing Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice providers before they will need to find an in-network provider or switch to a plan Memorial Hospital/Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice accepts Coverage MMAI health plans cover all of the services that Medicare and Medicaid cover. Coverage is PLAN SPECIFIC and individuals should check with the plan options to make their decision. Coverage includes: Doctor visits​ Hospital stays​ Home health​ Medical equipment​ Lab tests​ Ambulance​ Skilled nursing care​ Prescription drugs​ Hearing and vision services​ Mental/behavioral health and substance use services​ Transportation​ Dental Long term services and supports (LTSS) - services provided in a nursing home, supportive living facility (SLF) or in your home through the Community Care Program or Department of Rehabilitative Services MMAI plans may also cover additional services, depending on the plan: Extra dental, vision, or transportation services​ $0 for most prescription drugs​ Some over-the-counter medications and supplies​ Gym memberships or fitness classes​ Gift cards or other incentives for receiving certain preventive healthcare services​ Care coordination services are also offered with all MMAI plans. Care coordinators can help navigate the healthcare system and schedule appointments, manage chronic health conditions, find resources, and assist with appeals requesting coverage for services/prescription drugs that are not typically covered by the plan. Questions What should I consider when choosing an MMAI plan? Are your providers in the plan’s network? Does the plan cover your prescription drugs? Does the plan require prior authorization or other restrictions on any of your prescription drugs? Does the plan offer extra benefits that might be helpful? What plans will Memorial Hospital, Chester Clinic, and Steeleville Family Practice be accepting? Traditional Medicare/Traditional Medicaid, Blue Cross Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) Molina Healthcare Dual Options Medicare-Medicaid Plan If you were auto-enrolled in a different MMAI plan and wish to continue receiving services at Memorial Hospital, Chester Clinic or Steeleville Family Practice, you will need to opt-out of your current plan and choose a plan as listed above or revert back to Traditional Medicare/Traditional Medicaid. Where can I get help with enrollment? If you need assistance with switching plans, we can help at 618-826-4581, explain you need to speak with someone about MMAI network benefits and you will be transferred appropriately or call the Senior HelpLine and ask for the MMAI Ombudsman at 877-912-8880.

Patients visiting one of Memorial Hospital’s locations may be asked to enroll in CommonWell during registration. CommonWell Health Alliance® Services provide access for health care providers to your health information that they may need to care for you. Not be confused with ComWell, which provides mental health, substance misuse and developmental disability care throughout Randolph County. CommonWell is a secure, electronic record of your health history that can be accessed nationwide. How many times have you had to list your allergies, medications and medical history? With CommonWell, doctors have instant and secure access to your medical information. You no longer have to carry health records back and forth from appointments or remember what your lab results were or what medications you were prescribed. Through CommonWell’s secure medical record network, your health information is available to your doctors regardless of where you received care. All you have to do is say, “YES” when you are asked to enroll. How Does CommonWell Help You? Helps your doctors share information – Primary care providers, specialists, hospitals and more can have more secure, and nearly instant access to your health information. Gets you faster, better care – less time is spent on paperwork and tracking down records and more time can be spent on your personalized care. Supports you in case of an emergency – In times when you may not be able to gather your health information, medical staff will be able to look up your allergies, medications, and health problems to better care for you without delay. Protects your data – CommonWell’s electronic sharing is more secure than a fax or paper file. Paper records can easily be misplaced or viewed by others with no tracking of who access that paper record. Reduces paperwork and hassle – Save time and the hassle of filling out the same health history forms over and over when you see new doctors or go to a specialist in the CommonWell network. Your most up to date health information will be right at their fingertips. How Does it Work? Ask to sign-up at any Memorial Hospital location or participating provider location. Enrollment is quick and easy. Find a list of providers using CommonWell services on the Who is Connected page of the CommonWell site or ask your health care provider if they are connected to the CommonWell network. Learn more about how the CommonWell connection can benefit your care:

As scientists and doctors continue to learn about COVID-19, its variants, the effectiveness of vaccinations, and their prevention of the disease more and more information is being released to the public weekly, which leads to lots of questions. In the April issue of our quarterly publication of "The Lamp", we answered questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. We would like to follow-up with more Q&A regarding the vaccines and booster shots as much has changed in the past few months. What is the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine? Vaccine effectiveness studies provide growing evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines protect as well in real-world conditions as they have in clinical trial settings. These studies show that the vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19, especially severe illness, among people who are fully vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against symptoms, but also help avoid people getting infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 at all. Vaccination can reduce the spread of disease, which helps protect you and the people around you. All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19 as seen in clinical trial settings. Research provides growing evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines offer similar protection in real world conditions. COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination helps protect people from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19 and might also help protect people around them. To receive the most protection, people should receive all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still get sick because no vaccine is 100% effective. Experts continue to monitor and evaluate how often this occurs, how severe their illness is, and how likely a vaccinated person is to spread COVID-19 to others. CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available to you. If I am pregnant or plan to get pregnant should I get vaccinated? COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot? Studies show that after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less able to protect against the Delta variant. Although COVID-19 vaccination for adults aged 65 years and older remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggests vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms. The Pfizer-BioNTEch vaccine has recently been approved for children ages 5-11 years. The children's dose is 1/3 that of an adult dose. (Smaller needles, designed specifically for children are also used.) Data from a small clinical trial show that a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series 6 months earlier. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. All three vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and Janssen [Johnson and Johnson] COVID-19 vaccine) have recently been approved for booster doses. For Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended greater than or equal to 6 months after completion of an mRNA primary series. The Moderna booster dose is a smaller 50 micro-gram dose. For Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine, a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended for persons aged 18 years and older, greater than or equal to 2 months after receipt of the initial Janssen dose, under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization. For individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series: Adults 65 and older and 50-64 year old people with medical conditions. People aged 65 years and older and adults 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should get a booster shot. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions. Long-term care setting residents aged 18 years and older. Residents aged 18 years and older of long-term care settings should get a booster shot vaccine. Because residents in long-term care settings live closely together in group settings and are often older adults with underlying medical conditions, they are at increased risk of infection and severe illness from COVID-19. People with medical conditions aged 18 years and older. People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may get a booster shot vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks. Adults aged 18–49 years who have underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, that risk is likely not as high as it would be for adults aged 50 years and older who have underlying medical conditions. People aged 18–49 years who have underlying medical conditions may get a booster shot after considering their individual risks and benefits. This recommendation may change in the future as more data become available. Employees and residents at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission who are 18 years and older. People aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot vaccine based on their individual benefits and risks. Adults aged 18–64 years who work or reside in certain settings (e.g., health care, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters) may be at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19, which could be spreading where they work or reside. Since that risk can vary across settings and based on how much COVID-19 is spreading in a community, people aged 18–64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot after considering their individual risks and benefits. This recommendation may change in the future as more data become available. Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers as previously detailed by the CDC: First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff) Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers) Food and agriculture workers Manufacturing workers Corrections workers U.S. Postal Service workers Public transit workers Grocery store workers Can I "mix-and-match" which vaccines I receive? According to an IDPH press release on October 22, 2021, the FDA and CDC have approved the mixing and matching of vaccines. In their statement they said, "The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals, following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine, is allowable. Allowing mixing and matching could alleviate supply issues, make the task of getting a booster simpler for Americans and allow people who may have had adverse reactions to the initial dose to try a different shot." Heterologous dosing may be considered for the booster dose only. When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if I am NOT in one of the recommended groups? Additional populations may be recommended to receive a booster shot as more data become available. The COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized in the United States continue to be effective at reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Experts are looking at all available data to understand how well the vaccines are working for different populations. This includes looking at how new variants, like Delta, affect vaccine effectiveness. What are the risks to getting a booster shot? So far, reactions reported after getting the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot were similar to that of the 2-shot primary series. Fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the 2-shot primary series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur. Am I still considered “fully vaccinated” if I don’t get a booster shot? Yes. Everyone is still considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-shot series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the J&J/Janssen vaccine. Information in this article was provided by the CDC.gov website. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

Tia Reid, Director of Nutritional Services at Memorial Hospital, has completed her certification as a Metabolic Health Practitioner through The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP). She received her certification thru following the Nutrition Network Path and Advisor training in LCHF (Low-Carb, High-Fat)/Keto Nutrition. The Network is an education, connection and learning platform founded by The Noakes Foundation in partnership with an esteemed team of doctors and scientists. The platform covers the latest and most up-to-date science and research in the field of Low Carb Nutrition. The Advisor Training offered through the Network provides online LCHF education for those looking to acquire a professional accreditation in nutrition coaching. Reid’s goal is to be able to offer LCHF/Keto Nutrition as a choice to help others in their own journeys to wellness. "I see an opportunity to put together programs for wellness that include Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR) and in collaboration with education provided by Memorial Hospital’s Registered Dietitian, Melissa Soellner." Both Reid’s LCHF/Keto Nutrition Certification and Soellner’s PreventT2, CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, provide guidance on managing diabetes, reading food labels, planning meals, overcoming obstacles, and improving physical activity. Together, the goal is to bring nutrition education, options, and support to those in the community who want to live a healthier and more active life, to help guide, motivate and inspire lasting change for wellness.

Memorial Hospital was recognized at the Illinois Society of Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations' (ISHMPR), annual conference, in Alsip, IL on, October 14, with a Honorable Mention Award. An entry was submitted into the Physician Relations and Recruitment category by Community Relations and Marketing Manager, Mariah Bargman. During 2020-2021 Memorial developed new tools to continue provider recruitment during the pandemic. With in-person meetings, tours, and interviews postponed, Martha Roth, Director of Professional Services, and Julie Stern, Director of Human Resources, worked with Bargman, to create provider recruitment advertising and digital resources to hold virtual interviews and virtual tours to candidates. The recruitment package developed includes fliers for circulation to medical schools and larger hospitals. The fliers highlight the organization's achievements, improvements and accreditations, along with benefit opportunities and community amenities and attractions. Single sheet info-graphics with answers to frequently asked questions were also developed for specific professions that were tailored to a potential provider's specialty. The final piece was a digital presentation and tour of Memorial and our locations that could be shared with prospective providers in place of an in-person tour. The video highlights many of the newly renovated spaces at Memorial and features images and details for all medical departments, the Rural Health Clinic locations, and the Therapy and Sports Rehab Center. Being a recipient of the Pinnacle Award represents the continued work and dedication our healthcare team of directors put into continuing provider recruitment even during a pandemic. When things stopped, the team found a way to continue and persevere to ensure Memorial is able to provide quality healthcare professionals to our community.

Memorial Hospital presented service awards individually to employees during their workday this year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and for the safety of staff and their family, the Hospital did not host a party this year. Department heads, presented the following employees with their Service Awards: 5 Years, Reymil Alcala, Loegan Anderson, Morgan Bendorf, Morgan Cash, Kaile Eggemeyer, Amanda Johnson, Marci Klein, Gretchen Kocian, Amber Martin, Audrie Otten, Christina Poppen, Jerina Reese, Michelle Tripp. 10 Years, Janine Leclere. 15 Years, Teresa Ball, Tara Johnson, Kathryn Sauerhage, Michael Whitt. 20 Years, Rachel Garniss, Michelle Evans. 25 Years, Brett Bollmann, Cheri Colvis, Cambrea Doeding, Ida Harriss, Angela Schoenbeck. 30 Years, Kimberly Fedderke. 40 Years, Dr. James Krieg, Susan Robinson. Retirees from 2020 for this year received a gift commemorating their time at Memorial. Those honored, included: Linda Stern – 10 years, Gennine Westerman – 18 years, Brenda Ruroede – 22 years, Debra Dudenbostel – 28 years, Joan Kleidon – 35 years, Cynthia Lannom – 39 years, Linda Rellergert – 45 years. The 2020 Israel D. Newmark Memorial Award winner was presented by Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. James Kirkpatrick. This year’s winner, Angela Mohring, RN and Infection Control Nurse at Memorial Hospital, was presented with a plaque. She has worked as at Memorial for 6 years. Dr. Kirkpatrick read the following words from coworkers, “This employee has worked tirelessly all year to keep not only staff, but also their families safe from COVID-19. She has demonstrated the appropriate knowledge and guidance all while maintaining her normal day to day responsibilities. This employee has made herself available to staff 24/7 since the beginning of the pandemic for questions or problems. When a staff member makes these “after hours” calls to her with problems or questions she is always gracious and thoughtful with her responses. She is never weary or frustrated with people reaching out to her for guidance no matter the day or hour. She has worked with management and IDPH and many other resources to make sure we have the most up-to-date policies, procedures and information regarding the pandemic. She has played an important role in the responsible way that our facility has handled the pandemic. She is reliable, knowledgeable, courageous, and determine to keep staff as safe as possible in this uncharted territory, we are thankful she is a part of the Memorial Hospital Team!" "Not only has she participated in our COVID-19 response with policies and research, she has also worked hands-on alongside nursing staff to provide patient care to the positive COVID-19 patients and to help perform testing. We are extremely grateful for the hard, and sometimes thankless, work that this employee has put forth all year. I can think of no one more deserving of the Israel D. Newmark, M.D. Memorial Award for 2020.” Angela, had these words to say about her career at Memorial, “I am honored to receive this award, especially during a year like this. I feel blessed to have my amazing friends and co-workers at Memorial who have supported me, pitched in wherever needed, and adapted to the continuous changes we have all endured as healthcare workers during this pandemic. We have all been fighting tirelessly to keep our patients safe. I look forward to the arrival of the vaccine and what that will mean for our community and healthcare team.”

Memorial Hospital’s new Medical-Surgical and Intensive Care Units are now open. The new units are located on the south wing, upper level of the hospital that once housed other inpatient units, including the nursery, many years ago. “We are extremely grateful for the design and construction of our new Medical Surgical Unit,” stated Brett Bollmann, Memorial Hospital CEO. “The primary goal of the New Med-Surg project was to improve patient safety, comfort, and work flow for our staff. We anticipate that the added enhancements will greatly improve the customer experience along with the continued exceptional medical care.” “The new unit offers a relaxed atmosphere that helps decrease anxiety and promote healing upon entering the unit,” informed, Susan Diddlebock, Chief Nursing Officer. “Between the colors of the walls, the architectural ceiling and lighting and the sound reduction flooring and insulation, patients will notice the difference from our prior units.” The main hall has multiple workstations to improve staff workflows. The Medical Surgical Unit rooms are a mixture of seven private and eight semi-private rooms, each with a window view overlooking the forested area at the side and rear of the facility. Each patient space has built in cabinetry for patient items on the headwall and footwall, including new smart TVs, new patient recliners and visitor seating. Every room on the Medical Surgical Unit has a large, private bathroom that includes a full, adjustable shower, sink and facility that has seamless wall to floor coverage with a beautiful, slip-resistant epoxy coating. All lighting is adjustable to provide optimal patient experience. New features were incorporated into each room with the patient comfort and safety in mind. All patient beds have built in features including stand assistance, verbal cues for fall risk patients, safety lights and advanced controls. Smart TVs in each room include pillow speaker interface and the latest technology. The call system has been upgraded to include direct call buttons for specific items like medication, restroom assistance, and are sent directly to the caregiver responsible. An overhead ceiling lift implemented as part of the Safe Patient Handling Program has been installed to help achieve an even safer lifting environment for patients, reducing the risk of patient injury from transfers and movement, and reducing risk of injuries to staff. The improvements continue for our visitors throughout the newly remodeled Unit as well. Family and visitors are just as important as our patients are in the overall plan of care. New sleeper sofas are available in the private rooms and have multiple comfort zones, including recline and sleep position, a table for belongings and a USB port to plug in your communication devices. Visitors who need to step out of the patient room for a moment can have a seat in the alcove visitor seating designed along the hallway. Memorial Hospital continues to “Build for your future needs.” As a Joint Commission Accredited and 5-Star HCHAPS patient rated hospital these improvements help Memorial continue its efforts in providing the best quality healthcare for the community. As healthcare needs change and technology advances, Memorial continues to improve the critical access of care provided to Randolph County and the surrounding area. Take a virtual, video tour:

The new Medical Surgical Unit at Memorial Hospital is now open. As part of the remodel, local photographs were selected from a photography contest held at Memorial Hospital. From hundreds of previously submitted photos, 35 were selected for the nursing staff to vote on. In all, 5 photos were chosen for the main hallway and 5 were picked to be rotated throughout the 15 patient rooms. The images chosen by the nursing staff are local landscape and bridge scenes that capture the beauty of Southern Illinois and Chester. The rich colors captured by the photographers in the sun sets, sun rises, and light of the midday are the perfect finishing touches to the new space at Memorial. As patients recover in their rooms and walk the halls these images inspire hope and healing. Winners included: Trish Adams, Dee Eggemeyer, Barb Kittell, Elijah Ledbetter, Ben Naeger, and John Reith. Congratulations to our winners!! Each photographer was asked to share a statement:

On February 4, 2021 Memorial Hospital CEO, Brett Bollmann named Tammy Light Employee of the Quarter for the Fourth Quarter 2020. Tammy has worked at Memorial Hospital since October 2019. She is a Housekeeper during the evening at the hospital. When asked what she likes most about working at Memorial Hospital, Light replied, “My coworkers. No matter what department, they give their best to ensure each patient receives quality care.” Her co-workers write, “She goes above and beyond in her nightly routine. She is always sure to check in with each unit to see if there are extra tasks to be complete. Whenever she is on call she is always willing to come in to clean a ‘COVID’ room with a smile on her face and never complains. Even with increased workloads due to COVID, she never voices any complaints. She is always eager to assist in every aspect of patient care from the smallest detail to the largest plan and with a cheerful attitude. Everyone really enjoys working with her and appreciates her very much!” Tammy resides in Chester. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography and playing with her grandchildren. Light received a personal plaque, cash prize and parking spot of her choice for the next three months. Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or team work. Four random cards were drawn, Lennet Gibbs, Phlebotomist; CyBill DeRousse and Heather Smith, CMAs at the rural health clinics; and Denise Wilson, Specialty Clinic Secretary, were the winners of a monetary award for their star nominations.

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021: ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ENCOURAGES ‘EATING RIGHT FOR LIFE STAGES’ CHICAGO – For National Nutrition Month® 2021, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends people adjust their eating habits to address the nutritional needs of their bodies during all stages of life. “What works for you in your twenties won’t necessarily work for you in your fifties. As you age and evolve, so do your health and nutrition needs. It’s important to eat right for life,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Colleen Tewksbury, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Philadelphia, Pa. In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. The Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The new 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide authoritative advice to help people of all ages meet their dietary needs while limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. The federal guidelines are issued and updated every five years. “A registered dietitian nutritionist, a food and nutrition expert, can translate the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines to help people of all ages find the healthful eating plan that works best for them. Modest changes like healthful food choices and regular physical activity can help people manage or reduce their risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity or heart disease,” Tewksbury said. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group. Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. Registered dietitian nutritionists can show people how to use MyPlate, which provides practical, consumer-friendly tips to follow the key recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines. MyPlate recommends visualizing your plate as nutrient-rich sections with one quarter reserved for grains, another with protein-rich foods and the remaining half with fruits and vegetables along with a serving of low-fat or fat-free dairy. In addition to maintaining healthful eating habits throughout life, Tewksbury recommends the following tips: Teens to 20s — Build bone density by eating and drinking calcium-rich foods and beverages such as fat-free or low-fat dairy milk or yogurt or calcium-fortified soy beverages. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified cereals, beans, some leafy greens and canned salmon with bones. 20s to 30s — Reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease by eating more dietary fiber, including whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Women of childbearing age should include sources of folate, such as beans and peas and dark-green leafy vegetables, and eat foods fortified with folic acid such as breads, cereals and other grain products. A folic acid supplement may also be needed and should be discussed with a health care provider. 30s to 40s — Continue to eat a variety of nutritious foods, especially plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, peas and lentils for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. 40s to 50s — Fine tune your healthful eating habits and continue to incorporate regular physical activity as your body changes due to fluctuating hormones and slowing metabolism. Also continue to focus on ways to limit foods and beverages with added sugars, salt and saturated fat. 60s and beyond — Continue to include a variety of protein-rich foods to maintain bone strength and incorporate strength-building activities to maintain muscle. Good sources of protein include seafood, lean cuts of meat, eggs, beans, tofu and nuts. Animal-based protein foods also provide vitamin B12, which is a concern for some older adults. Foods also may be fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement may be recommended by your health care provider. National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS: PERSONALIZE YOUR PLATE DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021 CHICAGO – Developing a healthful eating pattern is not a one-size-fits all endeavor. The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutrient needs. In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. “America is a cultural melting pot, so you can’t expect everyone’s food choices to look the same,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Su-Nui Escobar, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Miami, Fla. “Eating is meant to be a joyful experience. As supermarkets increasingly diversify their shelves to meet the needs of their customers, it’s becoming easier to create nutritious meals that align with a variety of cultural preferences.” During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. The Academy encourages seeking the advice of registered dietitian nutritionists – the food and nutrition experts who can help develop individualized eating and activity plans to meet people’s health goals. “Variety is the spice of life and that’s how people should view their meals,” Escobar said. Spice up your menus with the foods and flavors you enjoy and add new flavors to spark excitement in your cooking. “Developing healthful eating habits does not require drastic lifestyle changes. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you incorporate the foods you enjoy into your life.” Registered dietitian nutritionists help clients fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group. Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.

FOR NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021, ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS ENCOURAGES REIMAGINING TRADITIONAL DISHES CHICAGO – For National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to embrace their individuality: Create healthful eating patterns with the foods they love. In March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet people’s cultural and personal food preferences. “We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes, so it only makes sense that our food choices will reflect that individuality,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Roxana Ehsani, a national spokesperson for the Academy in Las Vegas, Nev. “It’s possible for anyone to incorporate the foods you love into a healthy lifestyle.” Registered dietitian nutritionists help clients fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. Seek the advice of registered dietitian nutritionists — the food and nutrition experts who can help develop individualized eating and activity plans to meet people’s health goals. Melissa Soellner, Memorial Hospital's Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator is available for consultations and provides healthful diet and exercise tips on in her WeightLoss Group. Contact her for consultation at 618-826-4581 ext. 1170. Tips to reimagine traditional dishes: Cook with dried spices and herbs instead of salt to add flavor to your dishes Try different grains such as wild rice, whole-grain farro and whole-grain barley to reap the benefits of whole grains Go meatless: Serve up beans or lentils for a heart healthful plant-based protein Cook with vegetable oils instead of solid fats such as butter when cooking to limit saturated fat Eat 100-percent whole-wheat bread instead of white bread for more dietary fiber To decrease extra calories from fat, bake, grill, roast or steam your food instead of frying Sprinkle chia or ground flax seeds on cereal, salad or toast to increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids For flavor, add lime, grapefruit or pineapple slices to glasses of water Cook grains in a low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock for flavor To add variety, enjoy vegetables in different forms — raw, steamed, roasted, grilled or sauteed. “Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and the remaining quarters of your plate with whole grains and protein foods, such as lean meat, skinless poultry, seafood or beans,” Ehsani says. “With each meal, eat calcium-rich foods and drinks such as fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.” National Nutrition Month® National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10. As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth. ### Representing more than 100,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org.