Rheumnow Podcast Comorbidity and Health Management
Dec 24, 2025
Join nurse practitioner Vanessa Hill, who champions smoking cessation and patient education, physician assistant Lindsay Tom, an expert in health maintenance, and Barb Slusher, who focuses on preventive care in rural rheumatology. They dive into the pivotal role of APPs in managing comorbidities, practical workflows, and the importance of incorporating health maintenance into routine visits. They also discuss personalized strategies for smoking cessation, weight management, and the impact of sleep on immune health, tying it all back to better patient outcomes.
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Lifestyle Medicine Connects Systems
- Lifestyle medicine offers a practical framework linking comorbidities to rheumatology outcomes.
- The six pillars (nutrition, activity, sleep, substances, social connection, stress) create manageable patient goals.
Prescribe Weight Drugs When Appropriate
- Consider GLP-1 agonists for patients when insurance allows and primary care won't prescribe.
- Be prepared for prior authorization and staffing barriers in clinic workflows.
Start Nutrition With Small Practical Steps
- Use simple dietary advice (Mediterranean pattern, increase fiber) and small steps for sustainable change.
- Give handouts and focus on feasible first wins to build momentum.