An addition to Rita's post Re: Ensure---be aware that it vpontains 9 grams
of PROTEIN and therefore must be BAL:ANCED with lots of carbohydrates for
PWPs! Ideal balance is 7 parts carbo to 1 of protein--just ask Kathrynne
Holden. Peter likes Ensure, but I always goive him FRUIT (quick easy carbo)
and often also bread with it. Remember the protein competes for receptors
with Sinemet,
and this applies to all protein containing foods-- read labels to find the
balance in the can or package, and add more carbo as needed . Hearth
Balance company makes foods in 7-l rario especially for PWPs, and has been
mentioned on the list several times.
>Hi
>
>The Ensure type drinks come in several "flavors" from citrus type to milk
>shake variety........Mother doesn't like milk shakes but will drink the citrus
>ones.....seems that I remember that they are about 500 calories for a small
>container. Mother is offered one of these drinks as a mid morning snack as
>well as an afternoon snack at the nursing home..........It did help with
>weight loss for a time, now she refuses these drinks also most of the time, or
>has only a few sips (non Parkinson's patient and she is slowly dying from
>other causes). Your hospital dietician probably has several brands of these
>drinks available for you/your mother to select from. Have you spoken with the
>dietician re: your Mom's diet? If she is having memory loss.....have you
>tried a clear cup with a lid and straw........My mother did not recognize a
>solid cup or pitcher as having liquid in it and would not remember to drink
>unless told. When we replaced this with translucent containers where she
>could see the liquid, she would sometimes drink without suggestion from staff
>or visitors.
>
>You comment that your mom has lost a lot of weight in a short time....is she
>dehydrated? If you pinch the skin on the back of her hand does it "stay
>pinched" after you release your fingers? This is a simple way to check for
>low fluids.......
>
>Rita Weeks 54/9
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 80/9+
Oxford, Ohio
http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
<[log in to unmask]>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Ask me about the "CARE " list *
* for caregivers of Parkinsonians *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
