Group medical visits: Working together toward a common goal

During this five-week session, we will focus on the health of our hearts. We will discuss the basic mechanisms underlying heart and vascular disease and how we can positively impact these by making simple changes to our lives. We will discuss food and nutrition, exercise, sleep, mindfulness and how to make positive changes in these and other areas of our lives. Discovering how to make these changes will not only protect our hearts but also our minds so that we can extend both our health and lifespan.

Details

• Dates: Wednesdays, April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21

• Time: 5:30–7 p.m.

• Team: Tom Wallhaus, MD, and Katie Eby, health coach

• Location: Virtual on MyChart Video

• Health problems: Heart disease, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, diabetes, cholesterol problems, obesity

Ready to leave nicotine in the past? We will learn ways to manage stressful times and trigger situations without smoking, vaping and chewing. During this six-week group medical visit, we will explore medical hypnosis treatment, nicotine replacement and evidenced-based behavior change strategies. You will have the support of a clinician, health coach, group members and former smokers to help you successfully kick this habit. Let’s build upon your current strengths to find the confidence in quitting nicotine for good.

Details

• Dates: Tuesdays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, June 3 (no visit May 27)

• Time: 5:15–7:15 p.m.

• Team: Samantha Sharp, MD, and health coach

• Location: Conference Room 1111a, Science Dr Medical Center

• Health problems: Active nicotine use (smoking, vaping, chewing)

Note: Patients must be ready to stop nicotine use during the visit series.

New research has given us a better understanding of how the brain and nervous system play a role in chronic pain. You will learn about this science and how to use specific mind-body techniques, including Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), to reduce chronic pain. You will gain knowledge, skills and tools that will empower you to live with greater freedom and ability to engage in what matters most to you.

Details

• Dates: May 5, 12, 19, June 2, 9, 16 (no visit May 26)

• Time: 3-5 p.m.

• Providers: Jonathan Takahashi, MD, and a health coach

• Location: Conference Room 1111A, Science Dr Medical Center

• Health problems: Chronic pain conditions, including chronic back pain, neck pain and chronic headaches

More dates

• Dates: Sept. 8, 15, 22, (no visit on 9/29), Oct. 6, 13, 20

• Time: 3-5 p.m.

• Providers: Jonathan Takahashi, MD, and a health coach

• Location: Conference Room 1111A, Science Dr Medical Center

• Health problems: Chronic pain conditions, including chronic back pain, neck pain and chronic headaches

Practicing mindful awareness is a foundational skill in the kitchen. The focus of this four-week group medical visit series is on developing healthy eating and cooking habits in a hands-on, supportive environment. You will gain confidence in the kitchen and learn how eating well can be an additional “medicine” for your health conditions. This visit series will help you explore basic cooking techniques using wholesome ingredients, prepare nutritious and satisfying recipes all while learning about the health benefits of different foods along the way. Together, we will learn to build a diet around the Mediterranean diet principles.

Details

• Dates: Tuesday, April 1, 8, 22, 29 (no visit April 15)

• Time: 5-7 p.m. in Learning Kitchen, East Madison Hospital

• Team: Lisa Simpson, PA; Matt Plath, chef; and Katie Eby, health coach

• Health problems: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, heart disease

There are many steps you can take to manage and live well with atrial fibrillation. In this group medical visit, you will learn more about atrial fibrillation, hear and learn from others who are living with this chronic condition and develop a lifestyle-based treatment plan to help you improve your overall health.

It is normal to feel nervous and anxious about exercise, so each week will include different forms of exercise. This group medical visit meets every other week. In between the in-person sessions, our health coach will call you offering additional goal setting and support.

Details (East)

• Dates: Thursdays, April 3 and 17; May 1, 15 and 29, June 12.

• Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

• Teams: Renee Bobb, NP, preventive cardiology team; and Alyssa Bobo, health coach

• Location: Conference Room 1920, East Madison Hospital

• Health problems: Atrial fibrillation

Beginning can be the hardest part. This introductory series will help you establish a mindfulness practice to support your health. Each visit will incorporate mindfulness teachings and meditation with group sharing and support. Research shows that mindfulness can help relieve stress, reduce suffering from chronic pain, lower blood pressure, improve mental health, improve sleep and increase a sense of well-being. If you are curious about mindfulness and want to learn more, this is a great opportunity to start on that path.

Details

• Dates: Tuesdays, July 8, 15 and 22; Aug. 5. (Note: No visit on July 29).

• Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.

• Team: Lisa Simpson, PA, and Erin Allon, health coach

• Location: Conference Room 1920, East Madison Hospital

This group medical visit will help children (ages 8 -11) and their families manage anxiety by learning to live a healthy lifestyle. Co-led by a pediatrician and mindfulness instructor, children will learn integrative approaches to promote well-being and lessen anxiety. Topics include mindfulness practices, healthy eating, building a healthy sleep routine and exploring physical activity. Together, we will help children strengthen their mind-body connection and live with reduced anxiety.

One guardian or parent is welcome to attend each medical visit.

Details

• Dates: Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22; Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26.

• Time: 4–5:30 p.m.

• Location: Conference Room 1111A, Science Drive Medical Center

This six-week group medical visit offers an introduction to Yoga 4 Cancer, which is a yoga method developed by a cancer survivor that supports the unique needs of those living with, and beyond, a cancer diagnosis. Yoga has been shown to decrease stress, improve sleep, and enhance overall physical and emotional wellness after cancer treatment. Breathing exercises, short guided meditations, and physical postures will be used to support healing after treatment. No previous yoga experience necessary.

Details

• Dates: Wednesdays, June 18 and 25; July 2, 9, 16 and 23.

• Time: 1:30-3 p.m.

• Location: Wellness Studio, East Madison Hospital

• Team: Lori Seaborne, PA, and Katie Eby, health coach

• Health problems: Cancer diagnosis, open to all patients during or after treatment

Imagine creating lifestyle changes that are better for your health and the environment. This mindfulness-based group medical visit is aimed at helping to reduce stress, improve your eating habits and increase your physical activity. This series will involve practice with mindful eating and walking, compassion meditation, breath awareness and nature appreciation.

Details

• Dates: Mondays, June 12, 19 and 26; July 10, 17 and 24.

• Time: 4–6 p.m.

• Team: Bruce Barrett, MD, and Lori Gustafson, mindfulness instructor

• Location: Conference Room 1111A, Science Dr Medical Center

• Health problems: Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, diabetes, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, obesity.