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As we wrap up National Nutrition Month, this year’s theme— “Discover the Power of Nutrition”—reminds us that healthy habits go beyond what’s on our plate. The choices we make each day can help us feel our best, reduce stress, and support long‑term wellbeing. This week, we’re focusing on simple routines that make everyday living healthier and more enjoyable.

Feel Good With Healthy Habits

• • Practice safe food handling at home
    Good nutrition starts with food safety. Washing hands and surfaces, cooking foods to the proper temperature, keeping raw and cooked foods separate, and storing leftovers safely all help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
  • Plan ahead to ease mealtime stress
    A little preparation—such as planning meals for the week, prepping ingredients, or keeping a few go‑to staples on hand—can make mealtime smoother and more enjoyable. Small steps can save time and help prevent last‑minute food decisions that feel overwhelming.
  • Move your body in ways that work for you
    Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense or complicated. Enjoy a walk, try gentle stretching, dance to your favorite music, or choose activities that fit your abilities and bring you joy. Every bit of movement adds up to better physical and emotional health.

✨ Team Member Spotlight: Cassandra Pedersen
Cassandra Pedersen is our dedicated Registered Dietitian at Ecumen St. Benedict’s in St. Cloud, and we are so grateful to have her as part of our Ecumen team. She has been with Ecumen for a little over two years now, but her connection to St. Benedict’s goes back much further. When St. Benedict’s joined the Ecumen family, we were incredibly fortunate to welcome Cassandra and the deep expertise she brings. 

Cassandra has spent most of her career working with older adults and brings a thoughtful, resident centered approach to everything she does. She has seen a great deal of change at her site over the years and always meets it with grace. Cassandra is continually looking for opportunities to improve current practices, making them more efficient, effective, and supportive of resident wellbeing.

This week, she is sharing energy ball recipes. She says that she loves having these on-hand for when she is running short on time and needs a quick balanced snack. Feel free to customize them any way to meet your current goals or flavor profile—ENJOY!

12 Energy Ball Recipes (Healthy Snack Recipes) – The Real Food Dietitians.

We’re continuing to celebrate National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme—“Discover the Power of Nutrition”—reminds us that healthy eating is possible for everyone, regardless of budget or resources. This week’s focus is all about practical, affordable ways to stay nourished and support your wellbeing.

Stay Nourished on Any Budget

• • Build cooking and meal prep skills that fit your resources
    Simple techniques like batch cooking, using pantry staples, and making the most of seasonal or on sale ingredients can stretch your budget while still supporting balanced, flavorful meals.
  • Explore community resources
    Programs such as SNAP, WIC, farmers market incentives, and local food banks can help families access nutritious foods. These services exist to support individuals and communities—and they make a meaningful difference.
  • Support nutrition efforts in your community
    Staying informed about local programs, speaking up for access to nutritious foods, and sharing available resources with friends and neighbors all help strengthen community health. Small actions can create big ripple effects.

✨ Team Member Spotlight: Rita Janda
Rita Janda is our outstanding Dining Specialist at Ecumen Pathstone in Mankato, and we are honored to feature her for Week 3. She holds her Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) credential and expertly manages all of the clinical nutrition work for both the SNF and TCU. Rita has been part of the Ecumen family for over 40 years, and during that time she has held nearly every role within the culinary department—making her one of the most well rounded and knowledgeable team members we have. 

Rita is an extraordinary leader whose experience, dedication, and deep understanding of Ecumen truly shine through in everything she does. With her extensive background, she navigates the ups and downs of daily operations with ease and grace. She is also a dear friend to many, offering support, perspective, and a wealth of history that only someone with her breadth of experience can share.

We are grateful for the wisdom, stability, and heart she brings to Pathstone and to our broader Ecumen team. This week she is sharing her garlic herb shrimp recipe with us!

We’re continuing our month‑long celebration of National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme—“Discover the Power of Nutrition”—reminds us that good health begins with reliable, science‑backed information. With so much nutrition noise online, it can be hard to know what (or who) to trust. That’s why Week 2 is all about finding guidance rooted in evidence—not trends.

Find Advice Backed by Science

• • Seek accurate, credible nutrition sources
    Stick to information from organizations grounded in research, such as registered dietitians, national health agencies, academic institutions, and peer reviewed publications.
  • Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who understands your needs
    RDNs are trained to translate the science into practical recommendations—and to tailor it specifically to your age, health conditions, cultural/personal preferences, and lifestyle. They are also great at holding accountability and keeping you on track to meet your goals.
  • Watch for nutrition “red flags”
    Be cautious of advice that sounds too good to be true—like quick fixes, extreme restrictions, miracle “detoxes,” or anything that eliminates entire food groups without medical need. Claims that rely on testimonials instead of science, use fear based messaging, or promote purchasing the company’s products as the solution are also signs to proceed with caution.

✨ Team Member Spotlight: Sue North
Susan North is our amazing Dietitian at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, and she has been a huge asset to our team for a little over four years. She will be retiring this spring, and while we will miss her greatly, we are incredibly excited for her as she enters this next chapter. Sue is our go to expert in diabetes education and brings a depth of experience and wisdom that strengthens our entire team. She has a truly special way of connecting with residents—advocating for their needs, taking time to listen, and ensuring they feel supported. Sue is also always looking for ways to improve processes and enhance the quality of care across her community. 

This week, she’s highlighting a favorite recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili from the American Heart Association—a delicious, heart healthy dish we hope you’ll enjoy trying at home!

SHOREVIEW, MN (March 10, 2026) — Ecumen, a nonprofit provider of living spaces and services for older adults, today announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. Cyrus Batheja, EdD, MBA, RN, FAAN, as the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.

A registered nurse and nationally recognized health care leader, Batheja brings more than two decades of experience advancing care models that integrate health care, housing and community services for vulnerable populations.

“Cyrus brings to Ecumen deep experience in health care, which first began at the bedside in senior living,” said Marcia Kull, chair of Ecumen’s Board of Trustees. “He is an entrepreneurial leader with a commitment to creating dignified living spaces and care with a focus on the people we serve and those who care for them. His experience, strategic vision and deep commitment to Ecumen’s mission-driven work are perfectly suited to guide us in this rapidly changing health care landscape.”

“The future of care must integrate innovative housing, person-centered care, and community-based support,” Batheja said. “Ecumen and our nearly 3,000 team members are uniquely positioned to create homes we would be proud to live in and provide care we would be grateful to receive.”

Prior to joining Ecumen, Batheja held senior leadership roles at UnitedHealthcare and Optum, including Chief Growth Officer of the MyConnections business, where he led large‑scale national initiatives addressing social drivers of health and improving outcomes for complex patient populations. As National Vice President of Nursing at OptumRx, he led a team of over 1,500 nurses delivering critical therapies across the country. He is also the co‑founder of Batheja Supportive Living Services.

“Ecumen has a remarkable legacy of serving older adults with dignity and compassion,” Batheja said. “I am honored to join this organization and work alongside the dedicated team members who bring that mission to life every day.”

He began his health care career after earning an Associate of Science degree from Normandale Community College. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and MBA from Augsburg University and his Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas.

Batheja will officially start on March 23, 2026, and succeeds outgoing president & CEO, Shelley Kendrick, who joined Ecumen in 2012 and assumed the CEO role in 2019 after serving as Ecumen’s chief operating officer. In September 2025, she announced her retirement from Ecumen.

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme—“Discover the Power of Nutrition”—is all about simple, everyday choices that help us feel our best. This month we’ll be sharing weekly highlights featuring practical nutrition tips and spotlighting on one of our amazing Ecumen dietitians—plus their favorite healthy recipe! Are you ready to Discover the Power of Nutrition with us? 🌿🥗💪

Power Your Day
Fueling your body well starts with simple, doable choices. When we build small habits into our day, they add up to powerful benefits over time. Here are three things you can do to start powering your day right:

• • Choose foods from all food groups
    Balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and dairy help support steady energy and overall wellbeing.
  • Mix it up & taste the rainbow
    Eating a variety of foods and a variety of colors provides different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients—keeping meals interesting and helping your body get what it needs.
  • Skip the fad diets
    Trendy diets often leave out important nutrients or create strict rules that aren’t sustainable. A balanced, flexible eating pattern is far more effective (and enjoyable!) in the long run.

✨ Team Member Spotlight: Emily Diekmann
Emily is our incredible Dietitian at Ecumen Detroit Lakes, and we’re so grateful to have had her on our team for a little over two years. In her role, she seamlessly leads the clinical nutrition work and supports the culinary team, and she even helps cover our Ecumen North Branch community remotely. Emily is our go‑to expert for tube feeding questions and someone we can always count on when new projects come up. 

If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Emily, you know she brings a calm, friendly, and reassuring presence—something our residents truly appreciate. She was excited to share a favorite recipe that’s a staple in her home—Crunchy Cashew Thai-Inspired Quinoa Salad. Make sure to check it out and let us know if you give it a try!

With constant nutrition headlines and changing food trends, it can be difficult to know which guidance to follow. Reviewing the primary resources that shape federal nutrition recommendations can help provide clarity. Two key resources are The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and The Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). One provides the scientific groundwork, and the other becomes the final guidance that the public sees–both aim to support healthier eating patterns across the population. 

Understanding where these guidelines align and differ helps translate national recommendations into practical, everyday nutrition decisions.

SHARED FOCUS AREAS 

Prioritizing Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods 

Both the DGA and DGAC emphasize choosing foods that provide strong nutritional value. These include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. Both resources recommend limiting highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in added sugars to support overall diet quality.

Improving Diet Quality to Support Long-Term Health  

Both documents highlight the role of balanced, nutrient-rich dietary patterns in supporting overall health and reducing the risk of nutrition-related chronic conditions. The focus remains on consistent eating patterns rather than individual nutrients. 

KEY DIFFERENCES IN GUIDANCE 

Protein  

• DGAC: Recommends consuming a variety of protein sources without setting elevated intake targets.
• DGA: Encourages higher overall protein intake and highlights both animal-based and plant-based protein options. 

Saturated Fat  

• DGAC: Recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of total daily calories and encourages low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
• DGA: Maintains the same recommended limit while allowing greater flexibility in foods that naturally contain saturated fat, including dairy and meats.

WHAT THIS MEANS AT ECUMEN 

At Ecumen, our nutrition approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, resident choice, and balance. At this time, no major menu changes are being made, as current menus already align with established nutrition guidelines and support health, enjoyment, and individual preferences. 

Ecumen communities will continue to offer daily specials, snacks between meals, and an Always Available menu to provide flexibility and choice. Menus include a variety of appropriately portioned protein options, with protein-rich snacks available outside of meals. 

Resident feedback remains central to the menu planning process through monthly food committees, tasting tables, and ongoing consideration of cultural traditions and personal favorites. 

A BALANCED APPROACH TO NUTRITION 

Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all. Ecumen remains committed to supporting health, dignity, choice, and enjoyment at every meal, while continuing to align with evidence-based nutrition guidance and the evolving needs of the residents we serve.

Aging in place isn’t what keeps most people up at night. What matters is how life feels today. They picture the quiet comfort of morning coffee in a kitchen they’ve stood in for years. They picture neighbors who know their name, a favorite chair that feels like home, and the simple freedom to live on their own terms.

That sense of independence matters. It ties into dignity, confidence, and the comfort of knowing you still get to decide how your day unfolds. Keeping it doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul or a loss of control. It takes a few thoughtful choices, a little planning, and changes that work quietly in the background to make everyday life safer, easier, and less stressful.

National Senior Independence Month, recognized every February, is an excellent reminder that independence doesn’t have to fade with age. It shines a light on the many resources available to help older adults continue living full, meaningful lives on their terms.

While it’s true that we may need a little more support as we get older, independence can still look vibrant and empowering.

Most people want that future for themselves. A 2024 AARP survey found that 75% of adults ages 50 and older want to remain in their current home as they age, and that number speaks volumes. Wanting to stay home means wanting to stay connected to routines, memories, and the life you’ve built.

While independence feels natural, maintaining it requires a proactive plan. Use these practical tips to ensure your home remains a safe, functional sanctuary for years to come.

How Falls Can Affect Independence

Falls don’t just bruise pride. They can derail routines, limit mobility, and shake confidence fast. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 14 million (about 1 in 4) adults 65 and older fall each year.

Try a Simple Fall-Risk Sweep Today

Walk your home like a guest who’s never seen it before, and look for the usual troublemakers:

• Trip hazards: loose rugs, cords, clutter in walkways
• Lighting gaps: dim hallways, dark stairs, no night lights
• Wobbly support: shaky railings, slick steps, unstable chairs

The National Institute on Aging recommends basics such as good lighting on stairs and grab bars near toilets and in the tub or shower.

Embrace Smart Home Technology

Technology no longer feels like science fiction; it serves as a vital tool for independence. Smart devices act as an extra set of hands and eyes, providing peace of mind for both you and your family:

• Voice-Activated Assistants: Devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home let you set medication reminders, make hands-free calls, and control your thermostat with your voice.
• Video Doorbells: See who stands at your front door without getting up. This layer of security protects against solicitors and improves overall home safety.
• Smart Locks: Keyless entry systems let you lock or unlock doors via a smartphone app, which is helpful if you need to let in a caregiver or family member.

Modify the Bathroom for Functionality

The bathroom presents the highest risk for slips and falls. Simple modifications transform this high-traffic area into a much safer space:

• Install Grab Bars: Securely bolt grab bars into wall studs near the toilet and inside the shower. Avoid using suction cup bars, as they often fail under pressure.
• Add a Walk-In Shower: Removing the high ledge of a traditional bathtub significantly lowers the risk of tripping.
• Use Non-Slip Mats: Place high-traction mats inside the tub and on the floor outside the shower to catch moisture.

Prioritize Physical and Social Activity

• Focus on Balance: Engage in low-impact exercises such as tai chi or chair yoga. These movements strengthen core muscles and improve stability. The National Institute on Aging suggests that regular exercise helps maintain the bone density necessary for independent living.
• Stay Connected: Connection is part of being human, and it becomes even more critical as we age. For many seniors, a sense of community brings purpose and joy. Without it, loneliness can take hold, affecting not just emotional well-being but also mental and physical health. Research shows that isolation increases the risk of depression, memory loss, and earlier health decline. Invite neighbors over for coffee, join a local gardening club, or use video chats to stay in touch with grandchildren.
• Prep Meals for Success: Nutritious eating fuels your energy levels. Spend one afternoon a week prepping healthy meals so you can eat well even when you feel tired.

Consider In-Home Services

Another way to strengthen your independence or support the autonomy of someone you love is with a full range of medical and nonmedical care services tailored to individual needs and delivered right where you call home. Even the slightest bit of support, such as Ecumen Home Care, can make a meaningful difference, giving you more time to enjoy what matters most and to get the care you need to feel your best.

Plan for the Future Today