12 Memorial Medical Milestones • Summer 2023 Farm-to-table medicine Growing up in northwest Arkansas, Joshua Bacon, MD’s father kept a small orchard. During his childhood, with plenty of fruits right in his backyard, his appreciation for homegrown food blossomed. As an adult, his first gardening experience was in the front flower bed of his cousin’s home, and while it didn’t produce the outcome he was hoping for, it was just enough to propel him into learning more. So for the remainder of residency training, if he wasn’t taking care of patients or studying medicine, he was studying gardening, bees, chickens, ducks—you name it, the book was on his bookshelf. After meeting his wife, Lauren, and considering a home to buy together, they made sure there was enough room for a garden. To fill their new home, they welcomed a new addition to their family, Elijah. Prioritizing better food, or growing it themselves, has become a big focus for Dr. Bacon’s family, especially as their son has started to eat solid foods. “We want him to eat well and have an appreciation as to what food is and where it comes from,” Dr. Bacon explains. “I may be a little biased, but I think he can tell the difference between regular store-bought food and something fresh that has been blended up for him.” Homegrown healing Currently the garden consists of mustard greens, lettuces, carrots, garlic and green beans. In the near future, the additions of purple hull peas, okra, zucchini, about half a dozen varieties of squash, half a dozen varieties of beans, a dozen or so varieties of tomatoes, some watermelons, corn and potatoes will complete the garden. “The food out of my garden has never had chemical fertilizers or pesticide exposure; I know who grew it, where it was picked, what it is [and] what is in it. And—like my friend, Dr. Nabours, says—I know what is not in it.” Additionally, the several beehives on the property allow Dr. Bacon and his family to have fresh, local honey on hand. “You can’t get more local than 20 feet from your house,” Dr. Bacon jokes. Food really can be medicine. Dr. Bacon is passionate in his practice about promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. In some cases, he has seen patients improve their diets, increase physical activity and begin the process of stopping some prescription medications. The feeling of knowing someone is truly becoming well brings him great satisfaction. Dr. Bacon encourages everyone to consider a garden at their home. A home garden improves food security and quality, and if done correctly, may decrease costs of food. Don’t be afraid to learn as you go. As Dr. Bacon describes, “If it fails, at least we learned something from the experience.” Talk to the expert To make an appointment with Family Medicine Physician Joshua Bacon, MD, call 337-284-8793. 4345 Nelson Road, Suite 102
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