Wegmans teaches pharmacists, consumers how to eat, live well

Wegmans Food Markets last summer introduced “Eat Well. Live Well.” stations located adjacent to its pharmacies that help showcase the links between health, wellness and a good diet.

“There’s so much good science showing that people lower their risk of many health problems when they make healthy food choices and include regular exercise in their routines,” stated Brian Pompo, coordinator of wellness and clinical services for pharmacy at Wegmans. “That’s why we’ve created our ‘Eat Well. Live Well.’ stations near the pharmacy.” The teaching areas have food displays with a health story to tell, and they change with the season.

In warm months, such freshly harvested foods as berries, melons and tomatoes may appear. In cold months, foods that help fight colds and flu, such as orange juice or soups, might be on display. In between seasons, displays might feature low-fat and fat-free dairy products or heart-healthy whole-grain breads and cereals.

Wegmans’ registered dietitians regularly meet with Pompo to review current scientific research about food, health and wellness, and to develop reference materials for pharmacists. “We look for well-established findings about the healthful properties of given foods or food groups,” Pompo said. “There may be a display featuring Wegmans products containing omega-3s. We provide pharmacists with the education piece.”