Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has launched a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine Program designed to empower patients to achieve their health goals through evidence-based methods and personalized care plans. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, addressing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connections, and avoidance of risky substances. This initiative aims to treat, reverse, and prevent lifestyle-related chronic diseases while also improving musculoskeletal pain and function.
The HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program features an interprofessional healthcare team comprising certified lifestyle medicine professionals. This team includes specialists in obesity medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapists, an exercise kinesiologist, registered dietitians, health coaches, and smoking cessation specialists. Patients benefit from coordinated virtual and in-person visits tailored to their individual needs, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive experience.
The program offers a diverse range of virtual and in-person programming, including group classes and special events, to foster a sense of community and provide ongoing education and support. These sessions cover various aspects of lifestyle medicine, empowering patients with the knowledge and tools necessary to make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Dr. Heidi Prather, founder and Medical Director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program, brings nearly three decades of experience in non-operative musculoskeletal medicine. Frustrated by the limitations of the traditional healthcare system, Dr. Prather developed the program to focus on whole-person health and improve patient access to essential services. Nurse Practitioner Karen Griffin, a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, contributes over 13 years of experience at HSS, emphasizing the impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes.
The program also incorporates innovative partnerships. Nudj Health provides access to specialized exercise programs and stress management care, complementing the HSS team’s expertise. Patients participating in the Nudj Health stress management program have reported decreased pain, increased energy, and improved mood. ModifyHealth offers dietitian-designed, chef-prepared meals, providing convenient and healthy options tailored to specific dietary needs, further supporting patient health, healing, and recovery.
Other key members of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program team include Cara Suter, PT, DPT, NCPT (Care Coordinator and Program Facilitator); Mark Pagba (Scheduling Coordinator); Kate Cohen, ACLM Diplomate (Clinical Nutritionist); Jane Belkin, LMSW (Care Navigator/Health Coach); Kelyssa Hall, CSCS, CEAS (Exercise Physiologist); Dana Rose, PT, DPT, OCS, SFMA (Physical Therapist); Jennifer Cheng, PhD (Research Manager); and Nartana Mehta, RD (Consultant Dietitian). Caryn Dugan, founder of Center for Plant Based-Based Living, also serves as a nutrition and culinary educator for the program.
HSS emphasizes that initial visits and group programming are typically covered by most insurance plans. For scheduling or program inquiries, individuals are encouraged to call 212.224.7998. The HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program represents a significant commitment to proactive healthcare, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life and empower them to move freely.
