Taking a bite out of sugar
Rusk State Hospital adopts sugar-free menus for all patients, staff
BY LELAND ACKER STAFF WRITER

As times change, the staff at Rusk State Hospital has to change its approach to insure the health of patients. As a result, the state hospital is changing the diet of its patients to counteract the side effects of new medicines which are being administered.

"We noticed a couple of problems," said Ted Debbs, superintendent of Rusk State Hospital. "First, the new generation of medicines we use tend to exacerbate diabetes. Secondly, they tend to cause carb cravings, which can lead to weight gain."

Mr. Debbs said to counteract these two health issues, the state hospital is trying to help by offering alternatives to high-sugar items.

"We've always offered these alternatives to patients with diabetes, but we wanted a single standard," he said. "So, we're replacing the sugared items with comparable items."

Mr. Debbs said the condiments (such as jellies, syrups and sweeteners) are being replaced with sugar-free versions. Breads are being replaced with high-fiber breads and Coke machines are being restocked with sugar-free beverages.

Judy Fay Garner said the transition has been a big operation.

We order our food months in advance," she said. "The food in the canteen area is shifting slowly to sugar free items as the stock rotates out."

Mrs. Garner said the desserts are being ordered sugar free, and even the foods for employee use (such as the Coke and snack machines) are being restocked with sugarfree items.

"The chance of getting diabetes is greater in our population," she said, explaining why the state hospital is making the across the board changes. "The medicine increases the potential for weight gain.

"Sometimes with mental illness, people eat to be doing something," Mrs. Garner said, adding that employees tend to do the same.

The shift to a sugar-free diet will continue over the next few months at Rusk State Hospital.