Doctor referrals now available for personal training, nutrition counseling & stress reduction
(FERGUS FALLS, MN) As part of its mission to become Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is expanding its preventative and wellness services by adding a Lifestyle Medicine Program. Initially funded with a start-up grant from the LRH Foundation, the program has now been incorporated into LRH primary care services.
The Lifestyle Medicine program, developed by Director of Wellness and Personal Trainer Natalie Knutson, is a preventative approach to decreasing disease risk and illnesses that burden a productive lifestyle. The program incorporates a combination of physical activity, nutrition and stress reduction.
First piloted in the spring of 2015 with select LRH physicians, the program is now an established offering at LRH. With funding assistance from PartnerSHIP 4 Health, Natalie Knutson and Dr. Nicole Welle traveled to a Lifestyle Medicine conference at Harvard in Boston, MA. Many key concepts, ideas and excitement were taken away from this conference. “There is no question within medical research that nutrition and physical fitness are paramount in the prevention and treatment of numerous chronic diseases,” said Dr. Welle. “The Lifestyle Medicine Program from LRH is a vital resource to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing,” she added.
“A recent patient was referred to us to help slow the progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease,” said Knutson. “The 76-year old told us a physician follow up confirmed that pulse and circulation were both improved contributing to a better quality of life for this patient,” she added.
To obtain a Lifestyle Medicine referral, patients simply need to speak with their primary care provider who can then make the referral to the Health & Wellness HUB. The wellness journey typically starts with two 30 minute sessions one on one with a personal trainer. “Our goal is to meet patients where they are and help get them where they want to be,” Knutson said. All Health & Wellness HUB trainers accepting physician referrals have a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and are Certified Personal Trainers/Special Population Specialists through NSCA (an internationally accredited organization).
For more information, contact Natalie Knutson at: nknutson@lrhc.org or by calling 218-736-8451
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 Medical Staff and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
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