Proper nutrition includes eating a balanced diet of foods rich in vitamins and minerals with a sufficient amount of protein, carbohydrates and fat, as well as taking in the proper amount of water on a daily basis.  You can achieve balanced meals by choosing "whole foods", which are those that are the least processed.  Some benefits of maintaining proper nutrition and hydration in your daily diet include:

• Strengthens the immune system

• Prevents disease

• Lowers the risk of infections

• Helps to regulate body weight

• Promotes good skin integrity

• Improves digestion, absorption and elimination

• Reduces the risk of pressure ulcers

• Helps keep bones strong

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves sleep

• Improves quality of life