By Andi Anderson
Dairy farmers in Michigan are reaching out to health professionals to promote the nutritional benefits of dairy.
This initiative, led by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), started in Lansing and Ann Arbor last year and has now expanded to Grand Rapids, targeting OB-GYN and family practice physicians.
The UDIM aims to inform current and future healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and assistants, about the role of dairy in a balanced diet.
"We want our health professionals to understand milk is a wholesome, healthy part of a balanced diet, and dairy foods are something they should feel confident recommending to all of their patients,” said Melissa Gerharter, UDIM CEO. The goal is to provide physicians with up-to-date, evidence-based information to share with their patients.
The program's outreach helps healthcare providers share accurate dairy nutrition knowledge while dispelling myths and highlighting dairy’s sustainability.
From early 2023 through May 2024, the UDIM team visited over 193 pediatric offices, engaging with more than 1,200 healthcare professionals. They hosted 52 “lunch and learn” sessions and distributed over 2,600 promotional kits with dairy education materials.
Key information shared includes the importance of the 13 nutrients in dairy for children's health and development.
Sandy Sellers, UDIM Health and Wellness senior manager, emphasized, “Iodine is a key nutrient for health and development in pregnancy and through the age of two years. Many health professionals didn’t realize the amount of iodine dairy can contribute to that recommendation until we shared that key information.”
The program has received positive feedback and is being monitored for potential expansion to other areas in Michigan.
“We’re seeing many ‘aha’ moments from the people we’re working with as they come to understand more about dairy, and that’s been extremely rewarding,” Sellers said.
Michigan dairy farmers interested in discussing dairy with their doctors can order materials from the UDIM website. These free resources are also available for health professionals to order for their patients, helping to guide these important conversations.
Through these efforts, the UDIM is enhancing the understanding of dairy’s role in a healthy diet among Michigan health professionals, ensuring that dairy remains a trusted recommendation for patients.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: Michigan, General