Lifestyle Medicine a Focus at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont

Berlin, Vermont – Keri LeCompte of Hinesburg, Vermont has been named the first Program Director for Lifestyle Medicine at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, the state’s only local, non-profit health plan. In this new role, Keri will lead the planning, development, evaluation and implementation of effective lifestyle medicine strategies, initiatives, programs, and procedures that address the root cause of the growing problem of chronic disease for our members.

Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based educational approach that can address up to 80% of chronic disease, while empowering and motivating patients to take control of their own health through sustainable behavior change. Implementing these practices have also shown a reduction in provider burnout.

“People can make significant strides in their health simply by moving and eating more intentionally, yet initiating changes can be a tremendous barrier,” says LeCompte. “By setting a solid foundation through training, health care providers have more tools to support their patients’ path to health.”

Lifestyle medicine is a whole-person approach to wellness that gets to the root of what makes our bodies thrive. Therapeutic lifestyle interventions work with patients to include more whole-food, plant-predominant eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections. Each of these are key to preventing and treating chronic conditions. Implementing lifestyle changes can alleviate the need for pharmaceutical or surgical interventions and can combat significant risks of debilitating chronic diseases. These practices also support people through the phases of life that come with their own natural challenges, such as menopause, a slowing metabolism, stress, and an aging body.

Keri LeCompte is a double board-certified pharmacist with a passion for helping people to live their best lives. Throughout her time with Blue Cross, she has worked tirelessly to bring lifestyle medicine initiatives, education and evidence-based programs to Blue Cross members and providers.  LeCompte has been working with the organization for nearly ten years in various roles. She started her career working directly with providers as an academic detailer and grew that program with a focus on meaningful provider engagement. She also developed a home-grown medication therapy management program where she cared for Vermonters directly, providing personalized comprehensive medication reviews and education, and served as a patient advocate to promote optimal health.

She was recently invited to speak on lifestyle medicine during Vermont Public Radio’s “Vermont Edition” and to answer questions about a plant based diet. The conversation ranged from how to approach a picky child’s balanced diet, to how to make moderate changes to a family’s meal planning to allow for positive, sustainable change.

For more than 30 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont has been enhancing the health and well-being of Vermonters by offering innovative plan options to individuals, older Vermonters, and businesses. Employees are dedicated to developing new ways to support high-quality care, programs, and events that promote wellness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.