Combatting Food Insecurity: PAs in Sioux City Lead the Charge
As Physician Assistants (PAs) Week draws to a close, the spotlight shines on two dedicated PAs from Sioux City, Nebraska, who are tackling a pressing issue in their community: food insecurity. Jill Bundy, PA-C, MPAS, and David Faldmo, PA-C, MPAS, both work at the Siouxland Community Health Center, where they are committed to improving the health of their patients by providing fresh fruits and vegetables. Their innovative approach not only addresses nutritional needs but also highlights the critical intersection of health and social determinants.
Understanding the Health Landscape
In their practice, Faldmo and Bundy encounter a range of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. Faldmo emphasizes the importance of early detection and lifestyle modification in preventing these diseases. “We live in a society where our lifestyle can lead to metabolic unfitness,” he explains. “Addressing that, detecting symptoms early, and getting people on a better lifestyle path is key to avoiding a lot of these conditions.”
Bundy adds that many patients are unaware of the health risks associated with metabolic unfitness. “There’s a lot that patients don’t quite recognize as health risks that set them up for these disorders,” she notes. This lack of awareness can be a significant barrier to effective health management.
The Catalyst for Change: Patient Experiences
Bundy and Faldmo’s journey into growing produce began with their involvement in developing a social determinant of health screening tool created by the National Association of Community Health Centers. This tool, which is now widely used, helped them identify food insecurity as a prevalent issue among their patients.
“When we screened our patients for food insecurity, we found a need,” they explain. “If there are insecurities noted, the care team is called in to see what we can do to help address some of the determinants identified.” Recognizing that many patients struggle to access fresh produce, they decided to take action by growing their own fruits and vegetables.
Their initiative is not just about providing food; it’s about education. “We educate our patients and tell them it would help their medical condition to stick to a healthy diet, which is higher in fruits and vegetables,” Bundy explains. “But if they don’t have access to fresh produce, that’s very difficult to accomplish.”
Addressing Health Challenges Linked to Food Insecurity
The health challenges associated with food insecurity are profound. Faldmo and Bundy point out that many medical disorders are linked to diet and lifestyle choices. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are just a few examples. Additionally, obesity can lead to orthopedic issues, creating a cycle of health problems that are difficult to break.
On the social side, Bundy highlights the psychological impact of food insecurity. “It’s rare for us to see food insecurity in isolation; it’s frequently coupled with transportation or housing security, which can create significant stress for patients and their families.” By addressing these interconnected issues, they aim to alleviate the burden on their patients, allowing them to focus on their health.
The Impact of Nutrition Education and Food Access
Providing fresh produce and educating patients about nutrition has shown promising results. “One of the big issues is that though food is abundant, the affordable food for the majority of our patients is ultra-processed foods that contribute to health issues,” Faldmo explains. By offering fresh vegetables and promoting a diet rich in whole foods, they aim to combat metabolic disorders and improve overall health.
Their efforts extend beyond food distribution. They offer a weight management program and a diabetes prevention program, both designed to empower patients with the knowledge and tools needed to make healthier choices. “We try to intervene before they get diabetes through the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program,” Bundy states.
Building Sustainable Solutions
Recognizing the limitations of their growing season in Nebraska, Bundy and Faldmo have partnered with local food banks and community organizations like Voices for Food. These collaborations aim to create a sustainable model for addressing food insecurity in their community. “We’re trying to make it more sustainable,” they say, emphasizing the importance of connecting patients with resources that can support their long-term health.
Lessons Learned from Patient Interactions
Through their work, Bundy and Faldmo have learned valuable lessons about patient care. Faldmo emphasizes the importance of not underestimating patients’ ability to make changes. “We shouldn’t sell our patients short; they’re able to make changes, but we also have to prescribe medicine to help them overcome their health issues,” he explains.
Bundy adds that understanding the whole person is crucial. “If they present with diabetes, what led to that? Is there a food insecurity problem? Making sure that mental health needs are addressed is essential,” she notes. This holistic approach ensures that patients feel safe and supported in their healthcare journey.
Conclusion
Jill Bundy and David Faldmo are shining examples of how PAs can make a significant impact on community health by addressing food insecurity. Their commitment to growing fresh produce and educating patients about nutrition not only improves individual health outcomes but also fosters a healthier community. As they continue their work, they remind us that tackling social determinants of health is essential for creating a healthier future for all.
