Clinical Tip: Farm stand pediatrics

About 10 years ago, our pediatric office was located across the street from a farm that sold fresh fruit. In an effort to promote good nutrition, I arranged to provide "prescriptions" for one item of fruit that our patients could choose there. At first the farm thought I should pay for it all, until I convinced them that no one would go there just for one piece of fruit! We eventually settled on a $1 cap on each item, which meant families could not get a whole watermelon with their "prescription." Nevertheless, we continue to enjoy this summertime tradition every year.

Bruce Bedingfield, DOHoffman Estates, Ill.