Transforming your health through everyday choices
MedStar Health offers two Healthy Living programs rooted in Lifestyle Medicine: Shared Telehealth Medical Visits and Fresh & Savory, our Culinary Lifestyle Medicine Program. Each program has a different format, but both help participants better understand their health conditions, build practical skills, and make lifestyle changes in a supportive setting. Through guidance from experienced providers - and connection with others - participants gain knowledge, confidence and support to create lasting improvements in their health.
What is lifestyle medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating, and often reversing chronic disease through healthy daily habits. It focuses on six key areas - nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection - to improve overall health and quality of life, so you can feel your best and do the things that matter most to you.
Dr. Amar Dave - Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine
Shared telehealth medical visits
Shared Telehealth Medical Visits are 60-minute virtual group visits led by a MedStar provider, with support from a board-certified health and wellness coach. These sessions help participants better understand their condition and learn practical ways to manage it using the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.
Each Shared Telehealth Medical Visit series lasts 8 weeks and includes four virtual sessions held every other week on Zoom. Different series topics are offered throughout the year, giving patients multiple opportunities to join a program that supports their health goals.
What to expect
- 60-minute telehealth sessions held every other week
- Education and guidance on managing your health using the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
- A personalized health check-in with the provider and health coach during each session
- Support in turning medical advice into small, doable steps that fit your life
- Encouragement and connection with others working toward better health
Current Shared Telehealth Medical Visit Series
- Healthy Brain: Lifestyle Strategies to Protect Your Brain
Learn practical strategies to support memory and thinking and lower your risk of dementia.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Learn how to lower and manage your blood pressure and reduce long-term health risks.
- Diabetes and Prediabetes
Learn how to manage your blood sugar and reduce long-term health risks.
- Weight Management
Learn healthy habits to support weight loss, with or without GLP-1 medication.
Fresh & Savory, a culinary and lifestyle medicine program
Fresh & Savory is a virtual culinary and lifestyle program where participants learn alongside peers to build practical cooking skills and healthy eating habits using Lifestyle Medicine principles. Led by Dr. Terri Stone and an expert team - including a Registered Dietitian and a Chef Educator - this program focuses on using food and daily habits to better manage chronic conditions.
Each Fresh & Savory series runs for 8 weeks and includes weekly 90-minute Zoom sessions on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00p.m.. The program is offered twice a year, in the Fall and Spring. During the Summer and Winter, a 3-week refresher course is offered for previous Fresh & Savory participants.
What to expect
- Weekly 90-minute virtual sessions
- Education and guidance on managing your condition using the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
- Live cooking demonstrations and practical, flavorful recipes
- Nutrition and meal planning guidance from a Registered Dietitian
- Access to the health care team, Chef Educator, and guest speakers
- Small group discussion and shared experiences
- Practical tips to support healthy eating, movement, sleep, and stress management
- Encouragement and connection with others working toward better health
Program focus
Fresh & Savory helps participants:
- Build confidence in the kitchen
- Prepare healthy meals to better manage chronic conditions
- Read food labels, stock a healthy pantry, and recognize common nutrition myths
- Make small, sustainable changes that support long-term health
- Apply the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse chronic disease
Frequently asked questions
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Will other participants hear my medical information during sessions?
In both the Shared Telehealth Medical Visit and Fresh & Savory programs, you will be invited to share your personal health goals with the group. Shared Telehealth Medical Visits also include a brief medical check-in with the provider. Because these sessions take place in a group setting, some health information may be discussed openly. If you have questions or concerns about privacy, our team is happy to talk with you ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.
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Are these programs covered by insurance?
Shared Telehealth Medical Visits and Fresh and Savory are typically covered by health insurance. Your usual co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance may apply, depending on your plan. If you have questions about your coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly.
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How do I join the sessions?
Visits are held on a HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform. Once enrolled, you’ll receive an enrollment email with your Zoom link and instructions for joining.
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What if I need to miss a session?
Because the Shared Telehealth Medical Visit series includes only four sessions and builds from week to week, attending each session is important. If you miss more than two sessions, we may recommend joining a future series so you can receive the full benefit of the program.
Fresh & Savory includes eight sessions and also builds from week to week. Consistent attendance is expected so you can fully participate and keep up with the group. If you need to miss a session for either program, we ask that you please let us know in advance.
Patient testimonials
Curious about what our primary care patients are saying about Our Healthy Living Program?
Read a few of the patient comments about transformation and hope—learn firsthand how our program is making a difference in our patients’ lives!
Paul Schwartz weight loss journey
What did you like most about the shared medical visits?
- “This health series was the mortar in building my better future self. The helpful team gave me guidance to continue my journey for a healthier lifestyle.” (participant, Prediabetes/Diabetes Shared Telehealth Medical Visits)
- “So many times when we have a health challenge we feel as if we are struggling alone with it. These sessions educate you about hypertension and give you the support of a doctor, health coach, and peers to make improvements and be better.” (participant, High Blood Pressure Shared Telehealth Medical Visits)
- “You owe it to yourself to sacrifice your time and participate in the series. It is truly life changing.” (participant, Weight Management Shared Telehealth Medical Visits)
- “I appreciated having direct contact with a provider from the comfort of my home and being a part of a community who understands what I am going through.” (participant, Prediabetes/Diabetes Shared Telehealth Medical Visits)
- "This program was the jumpstart I needed to live a healthier life without sacrificing my love for cooking and eating.” (participant, Fresh & Savory)
- “I wasn’t aware that I needed a Culinary and Lifestyle program. The program increased my motivation to cook healthier and get off some of my medication.” (participant, Fresh & Savory)
- “I’ve lost over 100 lbs. I am off my diabetes medication and have healed my heart completely. My cholesterol and blood pressure are normal. I am thankful for the work of the MedStar Health Fresh and Savory team.” (participant, Fresh & Savory)
Eligibility for our programs
Healthy Living Programs are available to MedStar Health primary care patients managing chronic conditions, including anxiety, depression, diabetes or prediabetes, high cholesterol, elevated or high blood pressure/hypertension, memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, excess weight, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (otherwise known as a mini stroke).
How to enroll
Interested? You can start the enrollment process in one of the following ways:
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Complete the enrollment request form that is at the bottom of this page.
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Ask your MedStar Health primary care provider to place a referral to the Healthy Living Program.
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Email MedStarHealthyLivingProgram@MedStar.net and include your name, phone number, and the series you are interested in.
After we receive your enrollment request, a member of our team will contact you to confirm eligibility, review series availability, and complete enrollment.