Welcome to the June edition of Whole Health Digest — home to insights, inspiration, and announcements from the world of Whole Health, provided by the nonprofit Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH).
In today's newsletter, you'll discover:
How a MassHealth nutrition program reduces health care costs and hospital visits
Takeaways from ACLM’s Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine Summit
Employer resources for improving employee health and well-being
A new book offering a Whole Person Care roadmap for family physicians (available for pre-order on July 9th)
A recent study by UMass Chan Medical School indicates that a MassHealth nutrition program effectively reduces health care costs and hospital visits. Program participation was associated with a 23% reduction in hospitalizations and a 13% reduction in emergency department visits. Adults with over 90 days of enrollment had, on average, $2,502 less in health care expenditures, resulting in net cost savings for MassHealth. (Source: Mass.gov)
This New York Times article serves as an excellent patient education tool on the health benefits of fiber, and it emphasizes that most Americans don’t consume enough fiber. “Look for ways to gradually add fiber-rich foods to your meals and snacks: Sprinkle seeds and berries onto your yogurt, choose whole grains instead of refined ones, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, and add beans to your meals.” (Source: The New York Times)
A 12-week online nutrition program for adults with Type 2 diabetes demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of a plant-based nutrition intervention within a primary care setting. Participants who completed the program experienced reductions in body weight (averaging -3.7 kg) and HbA1c (averaging -0.6%), and 22% of participants reduced their diabetes medication dosages. (Source: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine)
Grants
ACLM Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine Summit Takeaways
ACLM recently hosted the Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine Summit, supported by AIH. The gathering brought together experts, clinicians, and researchers to explore intersections between Lifestyle Medicine and meaning, purpose, and spirituality. Key takeaways include:
Connection, horizontal and/or vertical, is essential to one’s meaning and purpose in life.
Life purpose is linked to health and longevity.
Meaning, purpose, and spirituality conversations with patients can enhance their well-being.
A sense of “mattering” is essential to preventing burnout for healthcare providers.
Since 2014, AIH has granted over $19 million to Whole Health projects and initiatives. To learn more about AIH's granting work, click here.
EVENTS
Fresh and Full: Summer Foods for Whole Body Health
Participants are invited to savor the flavors of summer in this free workshop, presented by Adante Hart, MPH, RDN, LDN. Adante will offer practical guidance on incorporating more whole, fiber-rich foods into summer meals and share ways to embrace seasonal eating for improved energy and well-being.
Register to join below or share the workshop details with your patients, employees, or community members.
AIH is a proud sponsor of the Joy & Wholeness Summit, hosted by The Coalition for Physician & APP Well-Being. Join us in July for an event dedicated to advancing the well-being of physicians and healthcare teams.
AIH is delighted to sponsor and exhibit at the 2025 Community Health Institute (CHI) & Expo, hosted by the National Association of Community Health Centers. The event will showcase how health centers are implementing groundbreaking ideas that help communities thrive, reduce healthcare costs, and build a stronger America.
Coming Soon: Lifestyle Medicine and the Primary Care Provider: A Practical Guide to Enabling Whole Person Care
Lifestyle Medicine and the Primary Care Provider: A Practical Guide to Enabling Whole Person Care is designed to be an essential companion for clinicians dedicated to transforming primary care with whole-health solutions that meet the demands of modern practice. The book will be available for pre-order on July 9th, and a 25% discount code is available here.
Ardmore Institute of Health Announces Spring 2025 Grant Recipients
This spring, AIH awarded $1,375,500 across 14 projects that will help advance our vision: a future where healthy environments and lifestyles provide equitable and preferred methods to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Ardmore Institute of Health Welcomes Steven Mauro, MBA, MS, LMFT as Director of Operations
AIH is delighted to welcome Steven Mauro, MBA, MS, LMFT to the team as Director of Operations. Steven brings a unique blend of operational insight, behavioral health expertise, and a passion for making well-being accessible and sustainable. Diverse clinical experiences and leadership roles across public health systems, hospital-based care, and military settings have shaped his professional journey and deepened his conviction that “systemic, integrated approaches are essential to lasting health behavior change.”
AAFP and Ardmore Institute of Health: Advancing Whole Health Through Primary Care
In this recent Family Practice Management article, AAFP outlines the importance of Whole Health, the challenges physicians face, and the work AAFP is doing, supported by AIH, to make comprehensive, person-centered care possible. Together, AAFP, AIH, and like-minded organizations are on a mission to “revolutionize America's health system by transforming it from one that thrives by identifying and treating illness (in both payment systems and training) to one that focuses on achieving and sustaining health across individuals' lifespan.”
Milken Institute: A Blueprint for Employer-Led Food as Health Strategies
This recent report, created by Milken Institute, is designed to be a step-by-step roadmap for employers to implement food and nutrition-focused strategies to support the health and well-being of their employees, organizations, and broader communities.
Recording Available: Taking Charge of Your Health: Annual Exams, Menopause, and What to Expect
In this workshop, Dr. Michelle Tollefson provides small, sustainable changes to improve quality of life and provide a foundation for a healthier future. Participants learn about the hormonal changes of menopause, what symptoms to expect, and key components of annual exams to equip them to partner with their healthcare provider to make informed decisions and optimize health.
Recording Available: Mix and Match: Save Time with Grain Bowls
In this workshop, Linda Shiue, MD, demonstrates how grain bowls can transform mealtime into a simple, delicious, and nutritious experience. Participants learn how to prep once and enjoy balanced, fiber-rich meals all week long, helping them boost overall well-being, manage chronic conditions, and support weight goals.
We hope you found today's newsletter informative and inspiring. We'll be back next month with another edition of Whole Health Digest.
Sincerely,
The AIH Team
P.S. This newsletter is offered by Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH), a nonprofit dedicated to improving people's health through the power of Whole Health and Lifestyle Medicine. If it was forwarded to you by a friend or colleague, and you'd like to receive it regularly, subscribe here.
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