When we think of the term doctor, we think of someone who is known to heal and take care of people. It is sad that we live in a medicine driven culture where we are conditioned to think that written prescriptions are the cure all for everything.
I believe that a healthy lifestyle and eating habits inclusive of fruits, vegetables, and grains can prevent many diseases as well as prolong life. When I read an article on NPR http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/07/24/205124705/nyc-doctors-are-now-prescribing-fruits-and-veggies a couple of weeks ago, I was excited to learn that doctors are now prescribing fruits and vegetables to obese or overweight patients. The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is based in New York City and launched by deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley.
The purpose is to give at-risk families greater access to healthy foods. In the program, families will be prescribed Health Bucks which are redeemable at farmers markets. Health Bucks are through Grow NYC’s initiative to make fresh and locally grown produce available to low income families in New York.
This is a great start to a healthier nation. I feel more people are paying attention to preventive care and finding ways to have healthy eating optional for everyone. Once the healthier food choices are prescribed, this can become a positive lifestyle habit that can last a lifetime.
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