1.Provision of Dietary Guidance Focusing on Shikohin Consumption in Health Promotion Programs
Nanako KAJITA ; Yoshiko YAMANO ; Saki AMANO ; Kozue CHISAKA ; Maki HATANO
Journal of the Japanese Association of Rural Medicine 2020;69(1):57-65
Currently in Japan, undernutrition is increasing among those aged 65 years or older and needs to be addressed. Energy intake also falls short of estimated energy requirements (physical activity level II) among individuals 20 years or older, except for women in their 70s. In order for these energy and nutrient intake requirements to be met, we believe it is necessary to advocate more moderate and appropriate consumption of Shikohin (pleasurable, non-essential food and beverages such as alcohol and coffee). Therefore, we have initiated dietary guidance group sessions focusing on appropriate amounts of Shikohin consumption in our long-term support health promotion programs, which are organized with the goal of care prevention. In our group sessions, we offer guidance to participants with excessive Shikohin consumption to moderate their consumption, and we offer guidance to those with appropriate levels of Shikohin consumption on nutritional intake and balancing meals. Results for those with excessive Shikohin consumption have shown declining amounts of Shikohin consumption and improvements in nutrition and balanced meal intake. Among participants with previously appropriate levels of Shikohin consumption we found moderately increased use of Shikohin products. Overall, our results suggest that interventions are appropriate and helpful for persons with excessive Shikohin consumption. Guidance is also necessary on adjusting, optimizing, or maintaining appropriate Shikohin consumption for all participants of such programs regardless of their Shikohin consumption levels.