Lexington, Kentucky (April 5, 2024) — Health and wellness are closely related to the food we eat. At every meal, we choose what to serve and what to eat. However, making the “right choices” when it comes to calories and nutritional content can be difficult. Although food labels contain information about calorie content, it is difficult for individuals to evaluate the nutritional value of the same food and make appropriate daily choices.
When it comes to our long-term health, the world’s average life expectancy is increasing as researchers and medical professionals make great strides in diagnosing and treating chronic diseases.
“People are living longer, but they’re also living longer with chronic disease. There’s a disconnect between quality of life and longevity,” said Dr. Kremlin, clinical director of University Health Services and a sports medicine and exercise physiologist. said Scott Black, M.D., a family physician with expertise. For example, it is worth noting that according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of adults fall into the category of obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. . Nutritional management plays a major role in addressing and managing chronic health problems.
Throughout his more than 30 years of medical practice, Mr. Black has met with many patients to discuss how an individual’s nutrition impacts their health. He observed the quantity and quality of his resources online regarding nutrition. He struggled to find resources that explained both calorie density and nutrient quality to show his patients.
“The basic nutritional choices are the amount of energy or calories in something (calorie density) and the actual quality of the nutrients,” he said.
Wanting to find a solution, Black contacted a former colleague, Dr. Leslie Waltenberg, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences’ Department of Physician Assistant Studies. Woltenberg specializes in data management systems by academic background. Together, they created an app that provides instant nutritional support, quickly becoming One Good Choice.
Recognizing the utility of pocket-pocket resources, they focused on creating user-friendly tools that were accessible to a wide range of users. The main function of the app is to educate users about the nutrient quality and calorie density of individual foods and encourage them to switch to healthier options. Waltenberg describes One Good Choice as less of a traditional calorie counter and more of a “decision-making tool for people looking to shift their lifestyles and habits into a healthier zone.” Most conventional products currently on the market passively track a person’s dietary intake.
“This app is different because it doesn’t just record what people are eating, it educates and suggests better-informed nutritional choices one at a time,” said Walten. Berg said.
As for the future of the One Good Choice app, Black and Woltenberg envision it serving as an educational tool.
“This app could be used in a variety of industries,” Waltenberg said, adding, “It could help guide discussions and provide a framework for educating patients in provider offices.” There is,” he said. Insurance companies and health plans can use this app to support nutrition education in general or related to specific medical conditions (such as diabetes). Grocery stores can use this to help consumers make better food choices, or sell directly to consumers to cut through the confusion and inadequate nutritional information they receive. Masu. ”
Their goal is for the app to not only produce positive outcomes for users seeking a healthier lifestyle, but also cost savings for consumers, medical professionals, and insurance companies alike.
Black and Woltenberg participated in the UAccel program in summer 2023, focusing on customer discovery to build on their ideas.
“Positive outcomes can be defined by the consumer. This app can help you lose weight, improve your overall health, address a specific medical condition through nutrition, improve your sports performance, or improve your overall health.” can support consumer goals such as living an optimized life.” aging. Optimizing your nutrition can support all of these goals, and the app supports you in optimizing your nutrition. ”
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