Doctor Sends Patients to the “Farmacy” at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

Houston, TX (PRWEB) September 30, 2014

Renowned bariatric surgeon and advocate of plant-based eating Garth Davis, M.D. has partnered with Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and the Rawfully Organic Co-Op to open Houston's first hospital-based organic produce stand.

The project is an extension of Dr. Davis' "Farmacy" program that he launched earlier this year.

"Along with a recommendation for regular exercise, I write all of my patients a prescription for more fruits and vegetables," said Dr. Davis, who created special "Farmacy" prescription pads for this purpose. "Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day has been shown to prevent cancer, lower the risk of heart disease and help people live longer. It's a form of medicine for the body and soul."

The idea to sell fresh fruits and vegetables in a hospital came to Dr. Davis as he was making his patient rounds.

"As physicians, we perform surgery or prescribe medications to our patients to make them well," added Dr. Davis, who sees most of his patients at Memorial Hermann Memorial City. "Why not also educate them on healthy eating, and make fresh fruits and vegetables readily available? These foods are also a form of medicine that can heal from the inside out."

Dr. Davis reached out to Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram, founder and chief co-operator of Rawfully Organic, the nation's largest non-profit organic food co-op based in Houston, TX. Together, they came up with the idea of the "Farmacy Box" and presented it to hospital leadership.

"Dr. Davis and I agree that eating raw foods that are fiber-filled, organic, ripe, and colorful should be a part of everyone's daily routine," said Carrillo-Bucaram, also known as FullyRaw Kristina. "I am so thrilled to partner with Dr. Davis and the hospital to bring my knowledge of healthy eating and the freshest local and organic produce to their patients."

Starting Wednesday, October 1st 2014 and every Wednesday thereafter, Rawfully Organic will deliver fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the hospital for pick-up. The produce stand will be located in the East Tower at 921 Gessner. Free parking is available in Garage 3.

Patients who have received a prescription for a Farmacy Box by Dr. Davis or other hospital-affiliated physicians can order their box online and then visit the hospital between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick-up their food. Orders must be placed by 9 a.m. the Tuesday before pick-up.

Each Farmacy Box will cost $25 and include:
? Four apples
? Four oranges
? Two pears
? One bunch bananas
? Berry of the week
? One head Romaine lettuce
? One bunch celery
? One bag carrots
? Spinach or broccoli
? Tomatoes

Additionally, patients who have a written "Farmacy" prescription from Dr. Davis or another physician can redeem it for $10 off their Farmacy Box.

"The concept of Garth's 'Farmacy' links directly to Memorial Hermann's vision to Advance Health," said Keith Alexander, CEO of Memorial Hermann Memorial City. "We understand the value of good nutrition, diet, and exercise, and we fully support Garth and the folks at Rawfully Organic as they work to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle."

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About Memorial Hermann: An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves to advance health in Southeast Texas and the Greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann's 12 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, including the Texas Trauma Institute – a level I trauma center which houses the Life Flight® air ambulance – a hospital for children and a rehabilitation hospital, eight suburban hospitals, and a second rehabilitation hospital in Katy. The system also operates three Heart & Vascular Institutes, the Mischer Neuroscience Institute, three Ironman Sports Medicine Institute locations, cancer centers, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. As an Accountable Care Organization, the system also offers employers health solutions and health benefit plans through Memorial Hermann Health Insurance Company.

About Rawfully Organic: The Rawfully Organic Co -Op feeds over 600 families a week with local, organic produce, and features family friendly prices. They have three locations around town to meet all of their clientele's needs. Currently, the co-op is the largest in the nation, and Kristina, the owner, boasts over 5 Million views on her YouTube channels combined and has been featured on CNN en Español and recently FOX 26 for her entrepreneurial leadership in this community. This not-for-profit organization has raised over $6 million for local farmers and has appeared on all local news channels (at least once a month) for the great work done in the community promoting healthy eating, good health, and community unity and activity. For more information about the Co-op, please visit: http://www.rawfullyorganic.com.

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