Contact Information

Available for logged-in reporters only

Newswise (NEW YORK CITY July 3, 2014) Pediatric patients and their families recently joined physicians from The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and representatives from the Genetic Disease Foundation (GDF) to introduce revamped quarters for the Food for Life program, which serves patients in Mount Sinais Program for Inherited Metabolic Diseases one of the largest centers of its kind. Food for Life was created to improve access to the specialized and often costly foods patients need to manage their health. Established with a grant from the GDF, the program features an on-site pantry stocked with food products made available at no cost to qualifying patients, along with advice and recipes from staff nutritionists.

Were extremely pleased to implement the Food for Life program with the GDFs support to help our patients, many of whom are children, overcome barriers to optimal health and well-being, said Melissa Wasserstein, MD, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomics and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Director of the Program for Inherited Metabolic Diseases. Enormous strides in research and biochemical genetics mean that once-fatal metabolic disorders, usually diagnosed at birth, can now be treated with life-long medical and nutritional management.

Inherited metabolic diseases are caused by genetic errors that result in enzyme deficiencies, which make it impossible for the body to properly process certain types of foods. Toxins build up in organs to cause debilitating and life-threatening effects. Treatments include medications and a medically-prescribed diet.

Because their diets are severely restricted, patients need to consume specially-manufactured formulas and other foodstuffs, Dr. Wasserstein explains. If they eat off-limit foods, they can have serious health repercussions, like neurological damage or even coma, depending on the disease.

GDF is honored to make the innovative Food for Life program possible, said Lorie Broser, GDF Board member. We hope this addition to the excellent care provided at Mount Sinais Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences will make a positive difference for the patients and families.

The celebration centered around completion of a new interior wall design at the Food for Life reception area. To enhance the program experience for patients and families, GDF enlisted visionary designer Edin Rudic, who donated his time to create an inspiring atmosphere featuring an unusual blend of artistry, color and technology. The area now includes specially-coated walls on which kids can draw, and an HD screen to display photos from patients, some of whom were on hand for the event.

For more information or to make a donation, visit the Food for Life program online. And for digital video b-roll and interviews with program staff and patient families, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeZKmvQUKME&feature=youtu.be.

About the Program for Inherited Metabolic Diseases The Program for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (PIMD) at the Mount Sinai Health System specializes in providing advanced clinical and diagnostic services for the treatment of more than 600 children and adults affected by inborn errors of metabolism. Complete diagnostic evaluations, comprehensive testing, interpretation of test results, and long-term medical and nutritional management are provided.

Go here to see the original:
Mount Sinai & Genetic Disease Foundation Celebrate "Food For Life" Program to Help Kids Manage Inherited Metabolic ...

Comments are closed.