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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoctors write a prescription for fresh produce
Bad cholesterol, depression, high blood pressure; these are all conditions that often prompt a trip to the pharmacy. But now, physicians are administering a different treatment entirely: produce. Doctors at select clinics across the country are writing some obese patients "prescriptions" for fruits and vegetables.
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program provides daily $1 subsidies to buy produce at local farmers markets. FVRx, as it is also known, is funded through Wholesome Wave, a non-profit organization which operates from private donations. Each member of a family gets the $1 prescription so, for example, a family of five would end up getting $35 per week to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Janet Lopez is a cashier at a sporting goods store and lives in Washington, D.C. with her two children, brother and mother. She and her family are part of the Unity Health Care clinic's prescription program and have been buying the subsidized produce since May. She said they all have been eating more fruits and vegetables because of the program.
It is an encouragement because now I actually see that my kids love all of this stuff and before I couldnt get it because it wasnt cheap. Not only that but I also didnt know how healthy it actually is, Lopez said.
In addition to subsidies, FVRx has patients meet with their physicians to check up on their health including their height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index. The program also offers exercise and cooking classes.
http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/07/23/doctors-write-a-prescription-for-produce/
What a great idea! We need more of this.
southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)CTyankee
(63,912 posts)Hubby and I are retired and we spend a LOT on fresh produce, but we just plan to spend less on meat and devote more to fruits and vegetables. That works well!
CrispyQ
(36,462 posts)How long till big pharma finds a way to squelch this?
dkf
(37,305 posts)siligut
(12,272 posts)A change in diet can do wonders and before, MDs rarely advised people on nutrition.
oldhippydude
(2,514 posts)my docs just cut my cholesterol medication in half.. my salads are most of my meals... love the veggies