Monday, August 05, 2013
Kale chips instead of potato chips
The New York Daily News recently reported that city
officials unveiled a new "get healthy" program where doctors will prescribe a
menu of fresh fruits and vegetables to patients battling obesity. The city will also provide coupons to
offset the cost of the produce.
Well, here in Eastern Connecticut, we are apparently way
ahead of the game.
We are in our
third year of the Backus “Rx for Health” program. Primary Care Providers at
United Community and Family Services (UCFS) and Generations Family Health Center
assess children and teens at risk for overweight and obesity and write
prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables to be redeemed at the Norwich
Farmers Market.
Last
year, 26 families came to the Backus Mobile Health Resource Center at the Farmers Market,
turned in their prescriptions, and received $20 worth of vouchers to redeem
immediately for fresh fruits, vegetables, farm fresh eggs, or whole grain
bread. The family could visit the
market five times, receiving $20 worth of vouchers each visit.
The most important component of our program is
education. A registered dietitian
is present to provide nutritional counseling to both children and parents
before the vouchers are given out.
Dietitian-approved healthy eating guidelines and recipes are
provided for the vegetables and fruits offered by the farmer vendors. All market-goers, not just those
participating in Rx for Health, are welcome to consult with the dietitian and
pick up recipes and handouts.
Rx for Health is credited with converting at least two fast
food junkies into vegetable enthusiasts.
For example, several families had never tasted kale, didn’t know how to
prepare it, and were skeptical to try it.
Recipes were provided and suggestions were made. The dubious children tried the new and
different food and subsequently reported that they liked it.
We aren’t naive enough to think that given the choice, kids
would choose kale chips over french fries, but it’s a start.
Alice Facente is a community education nurse for the Backus
Health System. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy
Living blog at www.backushospital.org/backus-blogs or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 9:56 PM 
