Munson Medical Center: A Prescription for Long-Lasting Wellness

In Michigan’s rural communities, hospitals play a crucial role in overcoming the unique health challenges communities face. One such example is the Shape Up North Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program from Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. 

 “So often, poor diet is intergenerational,” said Roger Gerstle, MD, medical director, Traverse Health Clinic, who enrolls patients in the program. “Going back through generations, there hasn’t been emphasis or enough knowledge about good food or exercise. We’re just trying to meet their needs, which in this case are some knowledge and some help affording some fruits and vegetables.”

 “We hand them an actual prescription because it is in place of a medication,” said Dr. Gerstle. “It says to the patient: ‘This is good for you, this is for your health.’”

The prescriptions can then be redeemed at the local farmer’s markets in the area for fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Each of the markets have some cooking demos,” said Rene Louchart, oral health coordinator, Traverse Health Clinic. “They utilize a fruit or vegetable and do a recipe there. They would then have recipe cards available for people and little sample cups to taste it. Dr. Gerstle was a guest chef and patients like to see their physician working with the nutritionist to prepare good food.”

Besides having a direct impact on the patient, integrating the farmer’s markets helps to serve the entire Grand Traverse community.

“Programs like the fruit and vegetable prescription program that Munson runs are important and key to the community because they do bring together the hospital, their patients, the local agriculture industry, and health and wellness for the community in general,” said Kent Wood, director of government relations, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. “It might seem like a very specific, particular program, but it’s really got benefits that can impact the community as a whole.”

Overall, Dr. Gerstle sees the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Programs a way to improve the health of the entire community.

“I think its talking about food not just as something that has enough calories to sustain you, but as this food as medicine idea,” said Dr. Gerstle. “This is a path towards long-lasting wellness.”

To learn more about the program and other Shape Up North initiatives, visit ShapeUpNorth.com.