Welcome to the September edition of Whole Health Digest — offered free of charge by the nonprofit Ardmore Institute of Health (AIH) and home to insights, inspiration, and announcements from the world of Whole Health.

In today's newsletter, you'll discover:

• The new Full Plate Living Facilitator Training
• Youth suicide prevention resource packets developed by the AAFP
• How medication can complement lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes
• And more

News and Journal Highlights

​"Medication for Obesity | A Review"​
A long-held debate in medicine is whether obesity is best countered by medication or lifestyle changes. New research suggests the answer might be a combination of the two approaches, finding that “antiobesity medications are effective adjunctive therapy to lifestyle changes for improved weight loss and health outcomes.” (Source: JAMA Network)

​"How​ — And Why — To Fit More Fiber and Fermented Food Into Your Meals"​
Fiber and fermented foods aren't just for digestion. Research reveals more about their impact on the gut microbiome and overall health, from reducing chronic inflammation to strengthening the immune system. Share this article with your patients and help them unlock the benefits of a healthier gut. (Source: Harvard Health Publishing)

​"Meat Consumption and Incident Type 2 Diabetes"​
We often hear about cutting carbs to manage diabetes, but research suggests there is more to the story. According to a new study, “The consumption of meat, particularly processed meat and unprocessed red meat, is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes across populations.” The study also noted that “Replacing processed meat with unprocessed red meat or poultry was associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes.” (Source: The Lancet)

AIH Grants

AAFP Youth Suicide Prevention Resource Packets Available

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and AIH is sharing resources, developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) with grant support from AIH, to support physicians in recognizing, assessing, and preventing youth suicide.

​Click here to learn more and download the packets.

Since 2014, Ardmore Institute of Health has granted over $18 million to Whole Health projects and initiatives. To learn more about AIH's granting work, click here.

Announcements

Don't Miss ACLM's 2024 Lifestyle Medicine Conference

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is hosting the 2024 Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Orlando, FL on October 27-30. Medical professionals from across the globe will gather to learn about the latest research, explore implementation models, and hear about cutting-edge advancements in the field from top experts. Full Plate Living, a free service of AIH, is delighted to sponsor and exhibit at the conference.

Free Workshop Recording Available: Can Spirituality Help One Cope With Depression?

Last month, Elliot Smith was the presenter for a Full Plate Living Expert Workshop in which he explored ways depression may affect those with a faith tradition and how various spiritual practices can help cope with symptoms of depression.

Related: AIH is delighted to support Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in Lifestyle Medicine, a March 2025 convening regarding evidence and priorities at intersections between Lifestyle Medicine and meaning, purpose, and spirituality.

RESOURCES

Below are two NEW resources to support learning and the implementation of Shared Medical Appointments and community-based group programs using the Full Plate Living curriculum.

Free CME: Implementing Shared Medical Appointments Utilizing Full Plate Living

The Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) model, also known as group medical visits, has grown in popularity as a delivery strategy leveraging the power of social connection and clinical efficiency. In this CME program, you’ll learn the best practices for implementing SMAs, resources available to make the SMA delivery easier, and the Full Plate Living approach to improve nutrition and overall health.

You will also be eligible to earn 2.00 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credits.

Free Full Plate Living Facilitator Training Certification Program

AIH is delighted to offer a free Facilitator Training for clinicians and health providers, wellness directors, and community leaders. It was developed with input from industry experts and features a distinguished faculty, advice from past facilitators, and insights from the science of behavior change. When you complete the program, you will have the training and tools needed to effectively lead:

• An in-person or virtual group for the Full Plate Living Healthy Lifestyle Program​
• A clinician-led Full Plate Living Shared Medical Appointment Program​

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 free of charge by Ardmore Institute of Health, a nonprofit dedicated to improving people's health through the power of Lifestyle Medicine. If it was forwarded to you by a friend or colleague, and you'd like to receive it on a regular basis, subscribe here.

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