Meet “Mercedes” Mercedes drove two hours to the nearest healthcare clinic to get her first physical exam in ten years. I met Mercedes while shadowing primary care physician Dr. L. In the clinic, Mercedes divulged to me how nervous she had been driving in – she knew what the meeting…
Behavioral habits developed during adolescent years (10-17 years old) are strong indicators of health outcomes and risk for developing chronic disease later in life. Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time in development because individuals at this age are most sensitive to the influences of their social environments such as school.…
Dear readers, Since ancient times, nutrition has played an integral part in the health and well-being of both individual humans and society. Modern nutrition science has continued to unveil the multitude of important roles that optimal nutrition can play in an individual’s growth, vitality, and longevity. At the same time,…
There is no doubt that medicine has been an ever-evolving field. Throughout the decades, there has been a sizable increase in the pressure that both doctors and aspiring doctors feel. As standards for medical and residency acceptance rise, and the pressure to see more patients continues, many institutions are starting…
This August, providers within the Penn State Health System in Central Pennsylvania will be able to “prescribe” a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce to patients through a new innovative program called ProduceRx. This program is one of the first of its kind in the nation to involve all…
With a focus on public health, why did we end up choosing the name Intervene Upstream? After learning more about us and how to get involved, you may be wondering about our name. Public Health education often requires analogies to explain foundational concepts. We take our name from the famous…
Despite years of research, scientists have yet to determine how to solve the childhood obesity epidemic. While attempts are made to understand the contribution of one's genetic and socioeconomic exposure in the future development of obesity, physicians can take steps concrete steps to help families live healthier.
Food deserts are a major problem in America. Efforts to promote healthy food options in food deserts are primarily focused on increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. But, proximity to fresh food is not the sum of the issue. We must break down barriers that prevent low-income individuals from entering the kitchen, and lay down the groundwork for long term behavioral changes.
“She isn’t gaining enough weight, I’m worried,” said a very frazzled-looking father, immediately as my preceptor and I stepped through the exam room door. We were anticipating this father's reaction, as we had noted on the growth chart before entering the room that 18-month-old Lily was not gaining weight appropriately.
A Look Into the National School Lunch Program What’s the lunch of choice for a kid today? The classic PB and J? Turkey sandwich? A slice of pizza? The truth is that less than fifty percent of kids attending a public school participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)…
Meals on Wheels America is a non-profit, national organization that supports local nutrition organizations, most of whom serve seniors as their principal population.
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States. It is an epidemic that is claiming the lives of our citizens, making the people of this country sick and costing our country hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
