Nutritional Options for Wellness Program
|
The Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) program helps low-income residents in Kent County manage their chronic diseases better. The program improves access to healthy foods, health information and community resources.
The Facts
- Eight of the 10 leading causes of death are attributed to what we eat or drink.
- Four out of five adults have chronic diseases affected by diet.
- Nearly one in 10 Americans needs food because of low income or unexpected events, such as job loss or medical expenses.
Program Goals
- Increase access to healthy foods
- Increase wellness and quality of life
- Decrease complications of chronic diseases
- Improve health
Who's Eligible
- Kent County residents, 18 to 65 years old, who receive care through participating community clinics
- Eligible patients referred from Spectrum Health clinics and participating community clinics
How the NOW Program Works
Proper diet can speed recovery and reduce medical complications of chronic diseases. Proper diet can decrease the number and length of hospital stays as well as the need for medications, surgery and other treatments. Chronic health needs can be complicated by not having access to the right food and health information. Chronic illnesses include:
The NOW program features "food prescriptions" tailored to a patient's special dietary needs to be used to access healthy foods. Bimonthly cooking classes also are offered.
Read how the program helped JoAnn, a COPD patient.
Community Clinics
The NOW program works with many local clinics, including:
- Spectrum Health resident/specialty practices
- Cherry Street Health Services
- Metro Health Services
- Saint Mary's Health Care
To find out if a local clinic participates in the NOW program, call (616) 391-6144.
Community Partners
Read more information about our community partners, including their missions and contact information.
Contact Information
Spectrum Health Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) Program
751 Lafayette Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Map it!
Pone: (616) 391-6144
Fax: (616) 742-1015
Helpful Information
|
