Joya Family & Lifestyle Medicine

About Joya Family and Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine and Direct Primary Care 

Why Choose Us?

 

Personalized Care

Dr. Epperly will spend more time with you, truly understanding your needs and providing tailored care. Whether you need a comprehensive visit or a  telehealth visit, a quick phone call or a text, you have enhanced access to care when you need it.

 

Compassionate Approach

We prioritize compassion in every interaction, ensuring you feel heard, valued, and cared for.

 

Joyful Health Promotion

We integrate Family Medicine with Lifestyle Medicine to promote joy and wellness in every aspect of your life, helping you achieve optimal health.

 

Transparent and Affordable Costs

Enjoy the simplicity of a flat monthly fee for unlimited access to routine care, without the hassle of co-pays.

 

Easy Access to Care

Get the care you need when you need it, with same-day or next-day appointments.

 

Preventive Focus

We emphasize preventive care to keep you healthy and avoid more serious health issues down the road.

 

Dr. Epperly

Dr. Alexis Alexander Epperly is an experienced physician board certified in family medicine and lifestyle medicine. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Epperly takes a holistic approach to health, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of each patient. 

Dr. Epperly is a medical graduate of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and earned her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University. She is a proud Navy veteran, a follower of Christ, wife, and mother. All of these wonderful relationships inform the way she practices medicine, as she seeks to bring joy into each encounter. 

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach that focuses on treating, reversing, and preventing chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle choices. Our approach integrates six vital pillars of good health:

 

Nutrition: Emphasizing a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern.

Physical Activity: Encouraging regular exercise tailored to your needs.

Restorative Sleep: Promoting healthy sleep habits for overall well-being.

Stress Management: Providing tools and techniques to manage stress effectively.

Avoidance of Risky Substances: Supporting you in avoiding harmful substances.

Positive Social Connections: Fostering strong, supportive relationships.

By focusing on these pillars, we aim to improve your overall health and quality of life.

Blog 

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the daily challenge of packing lunches that are both healthy and kid-approved. At Joya Family and Lifestyle Medicine, we believe that what kids eat during the day directly impacts their focus, energy, and long-term health.

The goal? Balance. A great school lunch includes fresh fruit, colorful vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats — while keeping processed snacks to a minimum. Here are some simple, practical tips to get started:

 1. Build a Strong Foundation with Fiber

Fiber keeps kids fuller longer and helps stabilize blood sugar.

Instead of white bread or crackers, try:

  • Whole grain wraps, pita pockets, or sandwich bread
  • Brown rice or quinoa bowls
  • Veggie-packed pasta salad
  • Lentil Soup or Chili

 

2. Add Colorful Fresh Fruits & Vegetables 

Fruits and veggies provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants kids need to thrive.

Aim for a rainbow:

  • Apple slices with almond butter
  • Carrot sticks or cucumber rounds with hummus
  • Berries, grapes, or orange slices for a sweet finish

 

3. Include Protein for Energy & Focus

Protein keeps kids’ energy steady through long school days.

Try:

  • Edamame, Tempeh, or Roasted chickpeas
  • Grilled chicken or turkey slices
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Greek yogurt

 

4. Sprinkle in Healthy Fats for Brain Power

Healthy fats support learning, concentration, and growth.

Pack options like:

  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • A handful of nuts or seeds (if school allows)
  • Nut butter on whole grain crackers or celery sticks

 

5. Limit Processed Snack Foods

It’s easy to toss chips, cookies, or sugary granola bars into lunchboxes — but these often spike energy and leave kids crashing later. Instead, swap them for:

  • Air-popped popcorn
  • Homemade energy bites with oats, nut butter & seeds
  • Plain yogurt sweetened with fruit

 

Here is a sample balanced lunchbox idea:

  • Whole grain turkey wrap with lettuce & avocado
  • Baby carrots with hummus
  • Apple slices
  • Handful of trail mix (nuts + dried fruit)
  • Water or plant milk

 

The Best News is school lunches don’t need to be complicated. You can pack meals that keep kids fueled, focused, and ready to learn — without relying on processed snacks.

At Joya Family and Lifestyle Medicine, we help families make small, sustainable lifestyle choices that add up to better health. If you’d like more personalized guidance, we’d love to partner with you on your family’s wellness journey. Just give us a call at 703-239-3757!

 

Learn more at Joyafamilymed.com

Testimonials

FAQ

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

  • Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a healthcare model that focuses on a direct relationship between patients and their primary care physician. As a cash-pay model, It eliminates insurance intermediaries, allowing for more personalized and accessible care.
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Why Choose Dr. Epperly’s Practice?

  • Dr. Epperly combines Family Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine to provide holistic care. As a Christian, woman, and family physician, she prioritizes evidence-based practices, preventive care, and compassionate connections.

 

What Services Does Your Practice Offer?

  • Personalized Consultations: Longer appointments to address your unique health concerns.
  • Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, screenings, and wellness assessments.
  • Acute Care: Evaluations and Treatments based on condition, medications and labs as needed.
  • Women’s Health: Tailored care for women’s specific needs.
  • Chronic Conditions: Evidence-based solutions with medication managemnt as needed.
  • Lifestyle Medicine Guidance: Holistic approach to your daily habits to improve your overall health.

 

Do You Offer Telemedicine?

  • Yes! Our membership plans include telemedicine access when appropriate for your convenience.

 

How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

  • Book a Meet and Greet online with Dr. Alexis Epperly. Members can schedule appointments online or by telephone.

 

Is Dr. Epperly Accepting New Patients?

  • Absolutely! We welcome new patients seeking personalized care.

 

What Makes Lifestyle Medicine Different?

  • Lifestyle Medicine focuses on preventing and treating chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. It emphasizes nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep.