Did You Know That… Lifestyle Medicine

Medicine is the science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. There are many different types of treatment, all of which focus on managing pain and symptoms, neglecting a holistic approach to disease. Modern medicine has improved our lives in dealing with injuries and accidents, but at the same time, it has failed to keep us healthy and happy. Lifestyle medicine is one of the fastest-growing specialties that, at its core, deals with a holistic approach to health conditions, helping patients regain control of their health. 

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is evidence-based, clinical care that supports behaviour change through person-centred techniques to reverse or prevent disease. It is a modern medical discipline that focuses on helping patients eat healthier, stay active, sleep better, reduce harmful substance use, reduce stress, and improve social connections and mental health. It is a global movement for change that has been established around the world.

Make Positive Changes

Lifestyle medicine supports people in making positive changes based on understanding key lifestyle factors and their health consequences. The education is provided to those in need while providing them with problem-solving support and equipping them with the skills to make the changes they desire.

woman meditating on rock
Photo by Felipe Borges on Pexels.com

Lifestyle Medicine Principles Include

  • The socioeconomic determinants of health – The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age and the underlying drivers of these conditions.
  • Six pillars of lifestyle medicine – The six pillars of lifestyle medicine include healthy eating, quality sleep, healthy relationships, mental well-being, physical activity, and reduced harmful substance use.
  • Proven techniques to support people maintaining lifestyle changes – Education can provide a variety of skills that are successful in supporting patients.

Lifestyle medicine uses six pillars to prevent and treat the underlying causes of many conditions. There is evidence that lifestyle choices influence cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia. Research has shown that approximately 80% of chronic diseases and premature deaths can be prevented by positive lifestyle changes.

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➥ DISCLAIMER. This post does not intend to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.