Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/288405
12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • April 2014 Dr. Yum's Kitchen W hen was the last time that you took your child to the pediatrician for a wellness visit— and a cooking class? At Yum Pediatrics, in Spotsylvania, Va., you can do just that. "It's the first of its kind in the country from what I can gather," says pediatri- cian and founder Dr. Nimali Fernando. "It's a different model. We're writing our own script." The concept for a whole health focused practice that emphasizes teach- ing children to understand their own health originated through her blog, doctoryum.com. As Fernando pecked away at her keys, the Dr. Yum Project, a non-profit organization focusing on cooking and shopping classes and children's nutrition curricula—was born. Fernando built the Dr. Yum brand while still seeing patients five days a week. She shuttled between different venues, including her home and church, developing the idea of creating a place where people can learn about healthy cooking and bring their kids in to try foods. She eventually struck gold when she found a location that was big enough for her to create a solo practice with a kitchen. "We knocked down the walls, put up a kitchen and realized it was large enough to teach, have my private practice and conduct classes," says Fernando. In January, she introduced Yum Pediatrics and The Doctor Yum Project Instructional kitchen with two grand openings. For Fernando and her staff, it's been a learning pro- cess. Thankfully, the practice has a following of mothers who are interested in growing healthy babies and learn- ing how to prepare food and eat more nutritiously. "We pilot classes with our patients and if it's success- ful, we offer them to the community," says Fernando. The Doctor Yum Project has partnered with Wegmans' and Giant—who have generously allowed Fernando to hold shopping classes—and the Fredericksburg Farmers' Market coalition. "I have a great relationship with all of the managers. They all serve on the advisory board of the Dr. Yum bY cHRIS JONES Enjoying Nature's Candy by Nimali Fernando. M.D. It turns out that avoiding sugary snacks is not just healthy for your teeth, but new studies show that it's also healthy for your heart. Being mindful when eating processed foods, looking out for sugar on food labels, and relying more on whole foods can help you to establishing a diet low in sugar. Eating whole fruit—a great snack—can satisfy your need for some- thing sweet. Unlike processed foods, the fiber in fruit slows the absorption of sugar. This means less spikes in blood sugar. For a twist, try freezing and juicing fruit, like bananas, for a fun, creamy, sweet treat that is better for your family's heart health! The Doctor Yum Project is offering cooking classes in our new Instructional Kitchen. Also, bring your family out to our second annual "Run for a Healthy Glow" on May 16 for a night of running, activity, music, dance and glow! Visit www.doctoryum.com for information on our cooking classes and Glow Run. continued on pg 13 Dr. Nimali Fernando breaks the mold on pediatric care— and kids love it!