By Sierra Buckley
Community HealthCorps
About half of all adults in America — more than 115 million people — suffer from a chronic condition, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than a quarter of this population is treated for type 2 diabetes, and that number is a low estimate when you consider the additional 8.1 million who have yet to be diagnosed. Out of all the counties in California, Lake County has some of the highest death rates due to chronic illness including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. This is a devastating reality, and it calls us to take a closer look at our current approach to health care. Specifically, Lake County is revisiting the mindset that an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Meet the Wellness Rx program.
Wellness Rx for Lake County was inspired by successful programs across the nation and a growing movement that views food as medicine. Spearheaded by Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH), a three-year project run by North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and funded by the CDC, Wellness Rx turns lifestyle choices — eating well and exercising — into medical prescriptions.
“The future of health care is moving toward a focus on prevention — reminding people they can avoid disease and heal themselves,” stated PICH Coordinator Jen Dalton, “Wellness Rx is about giving medical providers the tools they need to implement this new approach to health care.”
A pilot program for Wellness Rx began in January at Lake County Tribal Health Consortium (LCTHC), with plans to start another program at the Live Well clinic in Clearlake. The PICH team worked with clinic staff to develop a prescription pad for lifestyle choices rather than medicines. Patients who receive a prescription have doctors’ orders to improve what they eat and/or increase how much they move their bodies, and to take advantage of the free wellness classes and coaching sessions offered with support from the Wellness Rx team.
“Many patients that come to Tribal Health (LCTHC) clinics have chronic disease conditions that can be treated with increased exercise and better nutrition,” said Gemalli Austin, diabetes education and program manager at LCTHC. “And, while doctors believe in the importance of making healthy lifestyle changes, many do not have the time to create an action plan with patients for increasing fruits, vegetables and exercise. This is where Wellness Rx plays a vital role in supporting patients to be successful,” Austin states regarding the role of Wellness Rx at the clinic.
The goal of the program is to create a culture within the medical world that promotes healthy lifestyles and general well-being in lieu of or in addition to helpful medications. Susan Reed, environmental wellness consultant for the PICH team and licensed nurse states, “The time has come for us to address the cause of chronic disease — not just the symptoms with medication.” When a person is prescribed a medication, he or she will almost always follow medical advice and take that medicine to stay healthy.
Doctors’ prescriptions don’t seem like a choice — they seem like a requirement. Wellness Rx aims to do the same thing for self-care and prevention, with the hope of helping people make positive changes that can lead to a healthier, happier life — one with fewer expensive medications and their many side effects.
This is an incredibly progressive approach to health care, and Lake County is part of a growing movement toward what many view as the way of the future.
“Through support and education, we are empowering a culture of self-health management,” Reed states.
You can show your support for Wellness Rx by talking about it with your friends and family, asking your doctor about lifestyle changes to improve your health, and by challenging yourself to make a change that would truly enhance your happiness and wellbeing. After all, that is what health is all about.
If you are interested in learning more about the Wellness Rx program and/or want to donate to its efforts, contact Dalton at jdalton@ncoinc.org or (707) 467-3226.
