Welcome to the October edition of Whole Health Digest — featuring the latest research and practical tools for advancing Whole Health, provided by the nonprofit Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH).
In this newsletter, you will discover:
- NEW AAFP credit system approved CME on prescribing GLP-1 RA medications and lifestyle habits
- A downloadable patient handbook with nutrition education, recipes, and more
- Full Plate Living Shared Medical Appointment Program and Group Program materials in Spanish
- And more
News and Journal Highlights
This article makes the case for a "vital shift in healthcare" through deeper integration of Lifestyle Medicine and behavioral health. “Licensed mental health clinicians and psychologists are uniquely positioned to partner with primary care providers to facilitate the shift. This can be done by moving Lifestyle Medicine (sometimes referred to as facilitated self-care) from the margins to the center of practice and addressing the full biopsychosocial reality of anxiety, depression, and related conditions. This shift does not abandon existing modalities, but enriches them with the science of behavior change and the healing power of daily habits.” (Source: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine)
AIH staff members, Dr. Ron Stout and Steven Mauro, and board member, Dr. MaryEllen Eller, co-authored this article.
See also: Lifestyle Medicine and Behavioral Health: Synergies, Opportunities and Challenges
This study, published on the Lifestyle Medicine Assessment (LMA) tool, developed as part of an AIH-funded AAFP project, utilized the 21-question LMA to analyze the lifestyle habits of family medicine providers, a group known to face challenging lifestyle demands and burnout. “For this group of providers, there appears to be substantial room for improvement in four of the five domains. The domain of greatest concern appears to be Recovery.” (Source: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine)
The LMA is currently being translated and used across the country, and with grant support from AIH, HealthPartners Institute will collaborate with Dr. Jon Bonnet, the creator of the LMA, on validation.
This New York Times article highlights the significant health benefits of lentils, noting their concentration of fiber, protein, and polyphenols. “For such an unassuming little legume, lentils are nutritional big shots. These staples of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine are part of the pulse family that includes chickpeas, beans and peas. And they are exceptionally rich in nutrients and support digestive, metabolic and cardiovascular health.” (Source: The New York Times)
See also: The Power of Fiber: Prevent, Treat, and Reverse Chronic Disease
Grants
Loma Linda University Health: New Patient Handbook for Restorative Diet Recipes
With grant support from AIH, Loma Linda University Health has created a new patient handbook to help people treat chronic diseases with a whole-food, plant-based diet. The handbook introduces nutrition's role in overall health and includes ACLM’s dietary spectrum. It offers recipes, practical tips for overcoming barriers like cost and time constraints, guidance on reading food labels and meal planning, and meal planners and grocery lists to help patients get started.
See also: Loma Linda University Health Implements Therapeutic Meals in Inpatient Setting
Since 2014, AIH has granted over $21 million to Whole Health projects and initiatives. To learn more about AIH's granting work, click here.
Note: LOI Invitation Requests for the AIH Spring 2026 grant cycle are open through Monday, October 27th. Click here to learn more and submit a request.
Resources
Now Available in Spanish: Full Plate Living Shared Medical Appointment Program and Group Program
The Full Plate Living Shared Medical Appointment Program and Group Program are now available in Spanish! Full Plate Living is an experience-centered, evidence-based nutrition program that has helped hundreds of thousands of people and is offered free of cost by AIH.
The Full Plate Living Shared Medical Appointment Program equips physicians, who often lack the necessary time and support, to effectively educate patients on the power of healthy lifestyle habits. Learn more and download the free materials below:
In English
In Spanish (NEW)
The Full Plate Living Group Program is designed to support individuals in promoting better nutrition and health in their community or workplace. Learn more and download the free materials below:
In English
In Spanish (NEW)
Free CME Available: Prescribing GLP-1 RA Medications and Lifestyle Habits to Maximize Patient Success
AIH is delighted to offer a AAFP credit system approved, free CME, Prescribing GLP-1 RA Medications and Lifestyle Habits to Maximize Patient Success.
This CME provides an in-depth, evidence-based review of GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) medications in treating obesity, emphasizing their clinical application alongside Lifestyle Medicine. Presented by Dr. Jon Bonnet, a board-certified physician in family, sports, obesity, and Lifestyle Medicine, the session explores prescribing strategies, expected outcomes, patient counseling, and real-world considerations that family physicians commonly encounter.
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 for primary care providers who want to improve patient health and well-being through lifestyle infused Whole Person Care.
For weekly chapter summaries, follow AIH on LinkedIn.
Recording Available: What Happens to Your Health When You Eat Enough Fiber?
In this workshop, registered dietitian Kayli Anderson outlines the health benefits of fiber and demonstrates how to incorporate more fiber into existing meals for improved energy, better digestion, and weight loss.
Events
Lifestyle Medicine Conference 2025
Join AIH next month at ACLM’s Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Grapevine, Texas. AIH is delighted to sponsor the event, and Full Plate Living will exhibit and host a free education session, Shared Medical Appointments: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine with Full Plate Living, on Monday, November 17th. Click the link below to register to attend the conference and RSVP for the education session.
Free Workshop: The Gratitude Prescription
In this free workshop, counselor and chaplain Elliot Smith will share evidence behind how gratitude can transform physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Elliot Smith will share practical strategies for cultivating a healthier, more grateful life.
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. If it was forwarded to you by a friend or colleague, and you'd like to receive it regularly, subscribe here.
Interested in submitting Whole Health news, a journal highlight, or a valuable resource to be shared with the Whole Health Digest community? Submit your ideas using this form.