Lifestyle Medicine

The foundation for a lifetime of wellness is laid in childhood, and many medical problems can be managed, or even resolved, through healthy habits. With that in mind, our founder and medical director, board-certified pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Elizabeth Parker, developed a unique approach to lifestyle medicine that supports children and teens - and their families - in building those habits.

Some of the health conditions our providers address in our lifestyle medicine practice include:

• Overweight or obesity

• Underweight/poor weight gain

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Pre-diabetes & Type 2 diabetes

• Insulin resistance

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Chronic constipation

Through a structured series of appointments, your child will learn about the building blocks for good health: choosing the right foods to fuel their body, increasing their physical activity, managing their stress, and improving their sleep routine. More importantly, they will work with their provider to set their own healthy lifestyle goals, and we’ll provide plenty of resources to help them achieve those goals and overcome any challenges along the way.

Of course, making lifestyle changes can be tough, and requires lots of support. Our approach at Parker Place is positive, non-judgmental, and focuses more on the “big picture” of health than on just the number on the scale. We encourage the whole family to get involved in developing healthy habits, and our curated library of resources include topics to help parents and caregivers too, such as meal planning and grocery shopping.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

What age range of patients do you treat?

We accept new patients from birth through age 21. In some cases, we will temporarily continue care for young adults with serious disabilities or whose circumstances necessitate the hands-on treatment approach offered by our practice.

Do you require a referral?

We are happy to see any child or adolescent whose symptoms or health history indicate one of the medical conditions listed on our site. Referral requirements vary by insurance carrier, and we encourage you to contact your insurance directly to confirm whether you will need a referral to see a specialist. If a referral is required, our office staff will be happy to request one from your primary care provider; however, please be aware that it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure the referral has been received prior to your child’s appointment date.

My child is very sensitive about their weight, and I don’t want them to feel bad about themselves - how will you handle this?

We don’t want them to feel badly, either! Our emphasis is on fueling your body the right way and taking good care of yourself so that you can enjoy your favorite activities and prevent or minimize health problems as you grow. We also encourage families to work together toward building healthier habits, so that no one child is singled out. Ultimately, we want to inspire children and teens to take charge of their health, empower them with the tools and resources they need, and motivate them to keep taking steps toward achieving their goals!

Will we be seeing a nutritionist?

While nutritionists and dietitians can be very helpful to those needing support with their eating, their services differ from what we offer here at Parker Place. Our providers focus on supporting kids and teens in building healthy habits in multiple areas of their lives, as well as educating families and helping them to implement that knowledge - in other words, how to plan, shop for, prepare and enjoy healthier foods, while also improving their health in other ways. In contrast, a nutritionist or dietitian can provide a more prescriptive, formalized meal plan, which can be especially useful for those needing a specific type of nutritional support (for example, elite athletes or individuals with a complex health issue such as diabetes). In some cases, families will bring their child to Parker Place, while also utilizing the services of a nutritionist or dietitian. We are happy to offer recommendations upon request.

Do you treat eating disorders?

Eating disorders are highly complex, with serious physical and psychological impact. While we are able to assess a child for any endocrine issues that may have been caused by - or existed prior to - an eating disorder, we will refer your family to a multidisciplinary practice specializing in eating disorders for primary treatment. Please contact our office, or ask your provider, if you would like a list of eating disorder clinics and resources.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

For other questions about our medical practice, or other services offered at Parker Place, please check out our general Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact us at any time!

If you feel your child would benefit from a consultation in our medical practice, please speak with your child’s primary care doctor or feel free to give us a call directly to speak to a member of our staff. You can also view our accepted insurance plans and payment options, check out our online patient portal, or contact us directly to make an appointment for your child with one of our providers.