Nursing Home helps Potassium/Lasix issue with Banana Babies, we’re really proud and happy

Sunbeam Health Care~d/b/a First to Care, LLC

Hudson, Florida  34667

First_to_care1@yahoo.com

February 18, 2010

 To Whom It May Concern:

   These tasty treats have many health benefits for our residents here at First to Care. A great deal of our residents are on a water pill called Lasix. This also requires that they eat Potassium in their diets to replace what they lose in extra urine production from the Lasix. In addition, they are usually prescribed a Potassium pill to go with their Lasix. This is an important electrolyte that needs replaced when lost when there is  a lot of urine production (as with Lasix). Some people simply can’t swallow Potassium tabs due their large size. The resident’s physicians encourage the bananas if they can’t take the Potassium pills (we have several residents in that situation).

     Our facility gives at least 7 bananas per resident a week. It’s their daily snack they look forward to everyday. Some people just don’t like to eat the bananas, but because they are lightly covered in chocolate, it makes those who don’t like them, love them.  The dark chocolate is especially good because dark chocolate also provides antioxidants. One banana provides eleven percent of the daily recommended fiber as well. Not only are they loaded with Potassium, but they are also loaded with vitamin B6, another important vitamin for our body.  At our facility, those residents who need to gain weight and refuse to drink Ensure are given 8 chocolate covered bananas per day along with 8 ounces of milk. They get 8 because the bananas are in half and it’s recommended to gain weight to eat at least 4-5 bananas/day with milk so we double what they get to equal the 4-5.

    Initially, we provided these bananas as snacks… We then realized the health benefits as well. The Potassium found in the bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and strokes. It is also helpful in helping muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces your muscles from cramping. A medium sized banana provides 400mg of potassium-11% of daily value – and contains 110 calories & 4 grams of fiber. They also contain plenty of “good” carbohydrates which are the body’s main source of energy.

 Respectfully yours,

 Lisa Mays, RN,BSN

First to Care – Director of Nursing

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