Be Well-Lake County plants garden to aid diabetes patients

Submitted by Lynda Baldwin

With their gardening tools in hand, patients from the Be Well-Lake County diabetes management program began digging and planting an assortment of vegetables, including beans, peppers and collard greens, to kick off the annual Community Garden.

The Community Garden, located at the North Chicago Community Health Center, provides fresh produce to the patients and their families who live in the area, which is deemed a “food desert.”

With no major grocery store and limited access to fresh produce, residents of this area are often left with few options.

In its third year, the Community Garden has grown to become a valuable educational resource for more than 500 patients struggling with controlling their diabetes. With more than 54,000 adult Lake County residents diagnosed with diabetes, Be Well-Lake County is a vital asset to those impacted by Type 2 diabetes.

Be Well-Lake County is a collaboration between NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) and the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center (LCHD/CHC) to provide high quality diabetes treatment, education, and support resources to medically underserved patients.

“Be Well-Lake County patients learn to make healthier food and lifestyle choices so they can better manage their diabetes,” said Elizabeth Nodine, MD, FP, of Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center’s North Chicago Health Center.

“The Community Garden is one example of how we are providing the education and resources; the patients are providing the dedication and determination, which translates into healthy lifestyle habits for their families for years to come.”

The Dig Day event took place June 9 in North Chicago. North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham welcomed people to the event. Master Gardeners from the horticulture program at the University of Illinois Extension office guided the patients through the digging process and educated them on preparing soil and watering the plants.

A Be Well-Lake County dietitian led an interactive session on the fat, sugar and salt content in certain foods. A personal trainer with the Be Well-Lake County Jump Start to Fitness Program was on hand to answer questions about the critical role physical activity plays in managing diabetes.

Be Well-Lake County diabetes patient and North Chicago resident Edward Thompson, 36, credits the Community Garden for helping control his diabetes and educating him about healthy eating.

“It’s comparable to having a child — you nurture the plants and take great pride in watching them grow,” he said.

Thompson finds the benefits of the program extend to his family.

“My family purchased gardening pots and we are now applying the skills I’ve learned from the garden at home.”

Funding for Be Well-Lake County is provided by NorthShore University HealthSystem with philanthropy in the form of a pledge from The Auxiliary at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, as well as charitable donations received from individuals.

The program is open to individuals with diabetes. For details, visit northshore.org/bwlc or call (847) 377-8055. To make a charitable donation or for information about The Auxiliary at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital, visit northshore.org/hphappeal or call Sue Rosenfeld at (847) 926-5003.

Ÿ To submit Your news, send it to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.