We are excited to let you know that the Atrius Health Department of Weight and Lifestyle Medicine is offering Virtual Lifestyle Medicine Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) every four weeks. 

SMAs are doctor-led visits (which means they are covered by insurance) that you have with other patients who have common health challenges. Patients learn from the healthcare team and from each other in this supportive and interactive environment.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic, widespread, achy musculoskeletal pain that occurs throughout the body. FM impacts the central nervous system, which affects the way the brain processes messages.

It is the second most common rheumatic disorder after osteoarthritis affecting 2–8% or millions of Americans. Women are diagnosed with fibromyalgia more frequently than men (about 80% vs. 20%), and it is more common in young to middle-aged women.

There is considerable evidence that eating a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of certain diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A healthy diet can also benefit your heart, your kidneys, and even your brain. What you eat can also affect your mental health.

Depression is one of the most common brain conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Depression is typically treated with talk therapy and,

Have you ever stopped to think about how important your kidneys are to long-term health? Kidneys are vital organs that usually fly under the radar when we think about a healthy lifestyle. Many key functions in our body depend upon our kidneys including:

• Removing waste and extra fluid as urine
• Balancing electrolytes, like sodium and potassium
• Producing red blood cells
• Regulating blood pressure
• Controlling pH balance
• Making an active form of Vitamin D to support bone health

Nearly 1 in 7 Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD),