Welcome to the May 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:
More on the integration of lifestyle behavior assessment tools into Epic electronic health records
Free resources like AIH’s Full Plate Living nutrition programs, ACLM’s LEADR program, and AAFP’s Whole Health Guide
A new book that offers a roadmap for family physicians to enable lasting health improvements for their patients (available for pre-order on July 9th)
Recent research reveals a strong inverse association between higher dietary fiber intake and a reduced risk of stroke, with a stable linear relationship observed. This study provides genetic evidence supporting a causal link between increased fiber intake and a lower risk of small vessel stroke, and the findings also indicate that greater dietary fiber intake significantly improved survival rates among individuals who had experienced a stroke by reducing all-cause mortality. (Source: AHA Journals)
ACLM has announced the integration of lifestyle behavior assessment tools into Epic electronic health records, a major step for incorporating Lifestyle Medicine into clinical operations. Clinicians using the updated Epic software will have access to ACLM's Lifestyle Medicine short form assessment tool, Diet Screener, and Physical Activity Vital Sign tool. (Source: PR Newswire)
A recent study examined the lifestyle patterns of Adventists aged 80 and older, and vegetarian dietary patterns were associated with better health outcomes, including lower BMI, less hypertension, and lower cholesterol compared to non-vegetarians. “This observation indicates the importance of non-smoking, abstinence from alcohol consumption, daily engagement in regular physical activity, avoidance of disease in older ages, and following a plant-based diet concerning the potential for successful aging.” (Source: National Library of Medicine)
AAFP: Supporting Family Physicians to Implement Whole Health Approaches
AAFP has developed comprehensive Whole Health resources, including a Whole Health Guide, to support physicians in implementing Whole Health approaches into family medicine.
In today's healthcare landscape, addressing the root causes of illness and empowering patients to take an active role in their well-being is critical. The Whole Health approach, with Lifestyle Medicine as a cornerstone, offers a powerful framework for achieving this. If you are a physician interested in going beyond symptom management, click the link below to learn more.
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
Mix and Match: Save Time with Grain Bowls
In this workshop, Linda Shiue, MD, will demonstrate how grain bowls can transform mealtime into a simple, delicious, and nutritious experience. Participants will 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.
Register to join below or share the workshop details with your patients, employees, or community members.
AIH is delighted to sponsor 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, APPs, and healthcare teams.
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 a comprehensive and practical guide for primary care clinicians seeking to incorporate Lifestyle Medicine principles into their practice. Edited by Ron Stout, MD, FAAFP (President and CEO of AIH), Dan Reichert, MD, FAAFP, and Rebecca Kelly, PhD, RDN, with series oversight from Jim Rippe, MD, this volume offers family physicians and primary care providers a roadmap to enabling lasting health improvements for their patients through whole person, behavior-based care.
The book will be available for pre-order on July 9th for arrival by July 30th.
Ardmore Institute of Health Welcomes Dr. Stephen Dahmer to its Board of Trustees
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stephen Dahmer to the AIH Board,” says Dr. Ron Stout, President and CEO of AIH. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of Whole Person Care will be invaluable as we continue to work towards a future where healthy environments and lifestyles provide equitable and preferred methods to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic diseases.”
Stephen Dahmer, MD, is director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and Assistant Dean for Wellness at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, where he also leads the Division of Integrative Medicine and serves as associate professor.
Celebrate Lifestyle Medicine Week with AIH-supported Resources Including Full Plate Living, ACLM’s LEADR program, and AAFP’s Whole Health Guide
In celebration of Lifestyle Medicine Week, AIH invites you to learn more about Lifestyle Medicine and discover no-cost resources like AIH’s Full Plate Living nutrition programs, ACLM’s LEADR program, and AAFP’s Whole Health Guide.
Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK Podcast Features Full Plate Living Director, Amy Hanus
Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to SUCK, hosted by Melyssa Allen, recently featured Amy Hanus, Full Plate Living Director at AIH. The episode explores how to promote sustainable well-being by helping yourself (and your patients or employees) build healthier habits, starting with your plate. Amy shares the Full Plate Living approach, a realistic and inclusive framework that emphasizes progress over perfection.
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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