Malnutrition Awareness Week: Raising Awareness and Improving Health
Malnutrition is a critical but often overlooked issue that impacts millions of individuals, especially in vulnerable populations like older adults, hospitalized patients, and those with chronic illnesses. Malnutrition Awareness Week, held this year from September 16-20, 2024, is a global initiative spearheaded by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) to educate, empower, and eliminate malnutrition through awareness, education, and action.
What Is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs to function properly. This can be due to inadequate intake of protein, calories, or essential vitamins and minerals. While malnutrition can affect anyone, it is especially prevalent among the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and patients recovering from surgery or trauma.
The Goals of Malnutrition Awareness Week
The goals of Malnutrition Awareness Week include:
- Educating healthcare professionals and the public on recognizing and treating malnutrition.
- Empowering individuals to advocate for better nutritional care.
- Eliminating malnutrition through improved awareness, policies, and interventions
Key Events and Webinars
Throughout the week, ASPEN will be hosting several webinars designed to address specific malnutrition-related topics. These sessions are free to ASPEN members and ambassador organizations, with topics ranging from acute malnutrition and post-surgery nutritional challenges to improving health equity.
Here are some of the key webinars scheduled for Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024:
- Starvation, Acute, and Chronic Malnutrition: Adaptation or Resolution Across the Life Cycle – Learn how malnutrition evolves and how it can be addressed at different life stages.
- Malnutrition in the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Settings – An often under-recognized issue, this webinar addresses the role of nutrition in recovery.
- Improving Health Equity Through Quality: The Global Malnutrition Composite Score – Understand how better nutritional care can improve equity and patient outcomes.
Educational Resources
ASPEN is offering a variety of resources to support healthcare providers and caregivers, including practice tools, videos, podcasts, and complimentary continuing education (CE) credits for professionals in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and dietetics. These resources are designed to help individuals better understand how to assess and manage malnutrition in various healthcare settings.
How SurfMed Can Help
At SurfMed, we are committed to supporting healthcare providers and caregivers in delivering the highest quality of care to those affected by malnutrition. Our range of ambulatory aids, nutrition products, and medical supplies can play an important role in the daily lives of those at risk for malnutrition. By ensuring patients have the right support and resources, we help contribute to their overall well-being.
During Malnutrition Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to take time to learn more about the risks, signs, and prevention of malnutrition. Let’s work together to ensure better nutrition for all.
Recognizing Malnutrition in At-Risk Populations
Some common signs of malnutrition in elderly or chronically ill individuals include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Muscle weakness or wasting
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Poor wound healing
- Changes in appetite
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess nutritional needs.
Taking Action
Join us and organizations around the world in observing Malnutrition Awareness Week 2024. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, caregiver, or concerned family member, taking action today can help save lives tomorrow.
Visit nutritioncare.org/MAW for more information, and explore how you can participate in this global movement to fight malnutrition.
