Read the following scenario and answer the questions.
Hannah is a junior in college and exams are coming up. She is taking a heavy load of classes so she can graduate early and works part time at a Starbucks. She gets a discount so she often eats foods available there (sandwiches, pastries, coffee drinks with soy milk) She is an ovolactovegetarian. She rarely gets to the supermarket or eats fresh produce. She has gained weight over the past year and in fact her BMI is 32 now. She wakes up one morning and feels a cold coming on. She just got over a stomach virus where she vomited and had diarrhea for 2 days (most likely food poisoning). In fact, over the past few months she has felt tired and gotten sick quite a bit with colds and sore throat. She is happy though because her boyfriend just proposed to her and they will marry during the summer. They want a big family but plan to wait until they are both out of school...in a year or so.
- Why does Hannah keep getting sick?
- What specific vitamins and minerals might Hannah lack?
- Hannah is considered obese. Explain the relationship between obesity and incidence of infection that Hannah may be experiencing. What is she at risk for?
- What dietary and lifestyle changes could she make to improve her immune system? Be specific here about what foods she should add/eliminate.
- What long term dietary goals will she need to make as she begins planning to have children?