i’d like tohelp as manypeople aspossible withthis programand serveas a modelHOW MANY HEALTH CARE
PROS ARE INVOLVED? DID ANY
OF THEM NEED CONVINCING?
MM: The primary staff includes four
physicians, a dietitian, and a health
coach, and all of them were already
eating plant-based and promoting it
to their patients and clients.WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR
THE PROGRAM’S FUTURE?
MM: I’d like to help as many people
as possible with this program and
serve as a model for other hospitals.
Since it was announced in August
2018, I’ve already heard from
numerous health care providers
who want to off er this program at
their institutions. I’m excited to
see where it will go.WHY BRING A PROGRAM LIKE
THIS TO BELLEVUE?
MM: Lifestyle changes can prevent
about 80 percent of common
chronic diseases, which is why I
work with patients to adopt new
habits. But for most people, it’s
diff icult to make changes, especially
with nutrition. Through this program,
we’re hoping to empower people to
get to the root cause of their chronic
conditions and address them
through a whole-food, plant-based
diet and other lifestyle changes like
exercising regularly, decreasing
stress, and improving sleep. Once
they do, they’ll improve their quality
of life, which may inspire others
around them.HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM
DIFFER FROM OTHER
PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO GET
PEOPLE HEALTHIER?
MM: Our goal is to customize
this to each individual, which is
why when people first join, they’ll
meet with a physician, dietitian, and
health coach—all of whom will help
them set personal goals. This team
approach sets this program apart,
as we know it takes a village to make
change. It also takes support, and
we’ll be there to give them whatever
they need and keep people in the
program as long as they need.
Participants will have frequent
contact with their team. They’ll also
be given coupons to purchase fruits
and vegetables at farmers markets
and discounts on produce at local
grocery stores.ph
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