health & wellness 4pets.cincil qp iate3sach z Green And healthy Henry Ford West Bloomfield greenhouse adds to healthy mission. Dr. Michael Seidman and resident farmer Michelle Lutz "The beautiful decor contributes to a homey and cheerful atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, attentive and eager to meet your needs." Diane Levin, daughter of Hannah above ■ REGEN STREET cZ4Z,OF WEST BLOOMFIELD(%) ASSISTED LIVIN An American House Senior Living Community 4460 Orchard Lake Rd I West Bloomfield, MI 48323 regentstreetwestbloomfield.com Call today to schedule a FREE lunch and tour: (248) 683-1010 Ask about our dedicated Memory Care Unit 62 December 6 • 2012 JN n keeping with its wellness mis- sion, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital has hired a resident farm- er to grow organic produce for patients in its new greenhouse. The $1 million complex, including an education center, was built entirely with philanthropic funds. "The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said, 'You are what you eat ... let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food"; says Michael Seidman, M.D., medical director of wellness at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. "These are important guide- lines. Typical medical care today is not about health and wellness; it provides care for the sick. We need to take a path toward wellness by making healthy choices. Henry Ford West Bloomfield's greenhouse provides premium nutri- ents for our patients, staff and visitors. It's what we all need:' Seidman has studied herbs since 1981, and has been funded by multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health to research the benefits of herbs and supplements. He lectures interna- tionally on health and wellness. Resident farmer Michelle Lutz is the former co-owner of Maple Creek Farm in Yale, Mich., a certified organic veg- etable farm. She grows a wide variety of produce in the greenhouse, including tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, eggplant, beans, strawberries and herbs. From harvest to plate is less than 24 hours. The greenhouse uses hydropon- ics — growing plants in water, instead of soil — to maximize diversity and maintain space for visitors. Compared to soil-based farming, this method grows plants faster with only 10 percent of the water and gives more control over plant health. Plants receive daily organic nutrients, and risks from pests and diseases are reduced. Beneficial insects are released when necessary to control harmful insects. And, with no soil, there are no weeds. While providing healthy meals, the produce grown in the greenhouse is projected to reduce food costs at the hospital by more than $20,000 per year. Produce is also used in the hospital's 90-seat Demonstration Kitchen, where healthy cooking classes are offered to the community, and at Henry's Cafe. And it's sold at Henry Ford West Bloomfield's seasonal weekly farmers' market, which is open to the public. Henry Ford West Bloomfield has been a pioneer in healthy, nutritious hospital food, including offering patients kosher meals in their rooms on request, says Seidman. Plans include a steady stream of school field trips, so that children can learn better nutrition, which can prevent childhood obesity and many chronic diseases. Gardening therapy will allow patients to take a role in their recovery while learning how they may prevent or man- age chronic diseases through healthy growing and eating practices. The space is available for physical, occupational and behavioral therapy, as well as a place of respite for staff and people vis- iting loved ones in the hospital. "In addition to eating right and main- taining a healthy weight, I recommend 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exer- cise four to six days a week, seven to nine hours of sleep a night, abstaining from tobacco use and stress reduction:' says Seidman. "These lifestyle choices help reduce the burden of disease and promote wellness:' Tours of the greenhouse are available seven days a week, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with in-depth tours and workshops by appointment. Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital is located on Maple Road, across from the Jewish Community Center. ❑ For more information, visit www. henryfordwestbloomfield.com/greenhouse.