Food as medicine in later life

Health care is changing. NPR (National Public Radio) did a story in January 2017, title "Food As Medicine: It's Not Just a Fringe Idea Anymore". The story reports how the Loma Linda University School of Medicine is offering resident physicians a subspecialty training in using food to treat disease. The training uses diet treatment for reversing diabetes, high blood pressure and preventing cancer. The Cleveland Clinic has a department known as functional medicine. "The foundation of functional medicine is the use of food as a first-line therapy. The right nutrition, combined with lifestyle and behavioral interventions, will help you take charge of your health." Local health care systems are adopting practices, referred to as "population health." In a nutshell, health care professionals are investing time and effort, trying the unconventional, to determine what factors truly affect healthy outcomes and prevent emergency room visits and otherwise unnecessary readmissions into the hospital. Those 60 and older, be aware of this to effectively treat your chronic health care issues: The day may not be that far away when your doctor prescribes a healthy Mediterranean diet and discontinues an American diet that includes processed food, fast food, convenience food and junk food. Money is a powerful motivator. I'm curious to know: How much money in Medicare premium savings, prescription drug savings and other health care costs would it take to motivate you to use healthy food as your medicine? Leave me a voicemail (419-624-1856) or send your comments to Mail@ServingOurSeniors.org. Q&A Q: Does Serving Our Seniors still have disposable undergarments to give away? A: Yes. They were donated by a local couple who wanted to help those who need but cannot afford this product. Erie County residents, ages 60 and older, should call us (419-624-1856) to see if we have your size. Q: I run out of diabetes testing strips before the end of the month. I can't afford to buy them myself. Can you help me? A: Local residents have donated the Accu-Chek Aviva Plus test strips, Prodigy and Contour Next. If you are an Erie County resident, age 60 or older, call to arrange a pickup (419-624-1856). The test strips are free.