Food is Medicine - A Preliminary Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease Programming in Rural Populations

As the saying goes, "you are what you eat." Unhealthy diets are a major part in disease onset and prevalence in the United States. Although there is clear knowledge of what is considered a "healthy diet", most of the population does not consume this on a regular basis. This study investigates the impact of food choices on individuals diagnosed with hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. Research determines how vital are healthy food choices in combating preventable diseases? (i.e, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) What we consume as humans play a key role in several bodily functions such as energy expenditure, growth, sleep cycles, weight loss and gain, organ functioning (brain, heart, pancreas, liver, spleen), tissue repair, immune function, mood, overall well being, and more. This is due to the high amounts of vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, fiber, fat, and minerals included in these food options available. These are just some of the ways food is important in not only making sure the body functions accordingly, but is also a great source of alleviating diseases and disorders that cause harm and disruption to the system. The American Heart Association's (AHA) Food is Medicine program investigates food choices within local rural communities and provides pre and post survey data relating to the improvement of healthcare conditions seen at a high prevalence in the area. Food is Medicine creates provisions needed to prevent, manage, and treat overall disease prevalence while also providing healthy food options to those interested in participating in the program. Southern Virginia, in particular, has taken the initiative to partner with the AHA to not only create a healthy food program, but to also provide health education to those in these rural areas that need it the most and calculate its effectiveness.