MARYLAND (WBFF) — A prescription fruit-and-vegetable program seeks to stave off illnesses caused by poor nutrition and diet in Maryland’s food-insecure communities. Backed by a $480,000 grant from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, the program will be developed and tested by researchers at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Professor Hee-Jung Song leads the study, which will provide produce from local farms to Maryland residents at risk of heart disease and related illnesses. Health care providers will refer participants most likely to benefit from dietary improvements. The three-year effort will track consumption patterns, as well as any health improvements, using electronic health records. Diet is the primary contributing factor to heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, Song wrote in a story on Today.umd.edu.
“These health issues are linked to what type of food we choose, with 80% to 90% of people not meeting recommended dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption,” Song wrote. “These approaches offer prevention or management through changes in lifestyle behavior and diet. At every stage of life, nutrition is important.”
Participating health providers will refer up to 140 patients at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
Comment with Bubbles
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (3)
Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.
