Employee Health & Wellness: Eating Less Sodium

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Employee Wellness has officially launched its new logo, February newsletter and the 2023 ACPS Employee Wellness Bingo. Staff can share their participation in the challenge by completing a short google form by March 24, 2023. Participants will have their names entered into a raffle for every five boxes completed. 50 winners will be chosen and given a gift card from the ACPS Employee Wellness Prize patrol.

February is National Heart Month, and it is important to continue learning and acknowledging healthy heart tips. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common type of heart disease in the U.S. is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) which affects about 20.1 million adults over the age of 20. CAD is when fats or cholesterol deposits start to build up plaque on the inner walls of your heart, blocking blood flow. Coronary Artery Disease can be caused by a number of things including diabetes or insulin resistance, high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking or tobacco use, and more. Excess amounts of sodium can increase your risk, too, so it is important to monitor and limit your sodium intake on a daily basis.

To understand healthy sodium levels, you will need to talk with your doctor. Experts recommend that adults and teenagers, over the age of 14, should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams daily. If you think you have exceeded the recommended amount, increasing your water intake can help flush some of the salt out of your system–balancing it out.

Be mindful of sodium intake by checking the back of food product packaging. While in the store or at home, take some time out to compare food brands to see if there is a difference in sodium content. You can also keep an eye out for items labeled “less sodium” during your shopping trip. This helps you make active choices when planning out your meals.

When eating out, it can be hard to determine how much salt a dish may contain. Some restaurants may have a low-sodium menu, but it is important to ask for salt not to be included in your food. You can also ask for a salt packet, thus leaving the amount of salt in your food up to your own discretion.

Finding time to cook more at home can also help control sodium levels. Next time you cook, try to use herbs and spices instead of salt. Garlic and ginger are great substitutes to bring out flavors in your food. There are creative ways to enjoy your food with less sodium.