Nutrition and Health Care

Many of the most common health problems have a strong correlation with a poor diet. There is a very strong link between obesity and the incidence of type-two diabetes, and many cardiac problems can be attributed to a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Nutrition can play a vital role in the health of a patient, down to the details of wound care and post-operative healing.

The focus of nutrition and its impact on health care has come into the national spotlight recently because of the connection between the two. Several documentaries have addressed the issue. Robert Kenner’s documentary “Food, Inc.”, which came out this summer, addresses the issue. On a related note, the documentary “The Future of Food” discusses the ramifications of genetically engineered crops, and the impact that it has on the food industry. The landmark film “Super Size Me” also tackles the issue of health and the fast food industry. There are dozens of books written on the subject of nutrition and its impact on our health, including Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma.

With the state of food prices and availability of fresh food in America, unfortunately, many go without proper nutrition. This situation can exacerbate the problems associated with diabetes and heart disease, ultimately adding to the cost of health care. This issue of poor nutrition and prevention of disease is at the very core of the health care reform bill, which is still under heavy assault from its opponents.

In Detroit, a city that has been described as a “Nutritional Desert”, one company has tried to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to areas that do not have a grocery store nearby. That company is Peaches and Greens, a fresh food delivery service. The concept is simple; much like an ice cream truck brings sweets to kids with a carnival music-playing van, Peaches and Greens brings around fresh veggies and fruit in a green painted delivery van.

The neighborhoods that Peaches and Greens delivers to in Detroit are much like the urban neighborhoods found across the country. They are areas where the residents may pass several convenience stores before finding a market that sells fresh foods. This is a common problem in poor urban areas, and many feel as though it contributes to a significant increase in health problems in the populations of these areas.

So far, the reception of Peaches and Greens has been very positive. The community appreciates the availability of fresh foods, and many outside of the community are impressed with the efforts of the company’s owners.

The issue of nutritional foods often being more expensive and less convenient than junk food for urban residents is a serious and multifaceted issue. If proper nutrition is made available to everyone at a reasonable price, and education is included in the classroom at an early age about the advantages of proper nutrition, it may be possible to ward off a great deal of preventable disease.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com