What is Lifestyle Medicine?

"Healthy lifestyles should be a right, not a privilege, and access to lifestyle medicine should be equitable for all"                                                 

-American College of Lifestyle Medicine

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

 Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses evidence-based, whole-person prescriptive lifestyle interventions to treat and, when used intensively, and often reverse chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mellitus and obesity. 

Importance of Lifestyle Medicine

 Nutrition 

 Extensive scientific evidence supports the use of a whole-food, predominantly plant-based diet as an key strategy in the prevention of chronic disease, treatment of chronic conditions, and, in intensive therapeutic doses, reversal of chronic illness. Such a diet is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and nutrient dense. Choose a variety of minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

 Physical activity

 Regular and consistent physical activity combats the negative effects of sedentary behavior. It is important that adults engage in both general physical activity as well as purposeful exercise weekly as part of overall health and resiliency.

 Restorative sleep 

 Sleep delays/interruptions have been shown to cause sluggishness, low attention span, decreased sociability, depressed mood, decreased deep sleep, decreased caloric burn during the day, increased hunger and decreased feeling of fullness, insulin resistance and decreased performance. Strive for seven (7) or more hours per night for optimal health.

 Stress Management

 Stress can sometimes lead to improved health and productivity or it can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. Recognizing negative stress responses, identifying coping mechanisms and reduction techniques leads to improved well-being.

 Toxin avoidance

 The use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases and death. Treatments often take time, different approaches and many attempts. Patience and support are an important part of breaking risky substance habits.

 Social Connections

 Positive social connections and relationships affect our physical, mental and emotional health. Cultivating the power of relationships and social networks can help reinforce healthy behaviors.

Why is Lifestyle Medicine important NOW? 

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer's are leading causes of disability and death in United States.

Mayo clinic researchers looked at the data from 4,745 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It was determined that less than 3% of Americans live a "Healthy Lifestyle" defined by 4 qualifications: 

• Moderate or vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes a week

• A diet score in the top 40% of the Healthy Eating Index

• A body fat percentage under 20% for men and 30% for women

• No smoking According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 

• 6 in 10 American adults have one chronic disease. 

• 4 in 10 American adults have two or more chronic illnesses. 

• 70% of American adults are overweight and obese.

• 50% of Americans have cardiovascular disease.

• 38% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

  1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes (88 million Americans have prediabetes, 80% do NOT know it).

• In 2021, diabetes prevalence in US was 11.6%. It is estimated to increase to 21-31% in the next 25 years. By 2050, one in three Americans could have diabetes!

NOW it's time for us to take ownership and proactively implement the changes needed to improve our health and the future of our children.