Lifestyle medicine is a new approach to primary care that emphasizes making healthy lifestyle choices. An article published in JAMA shows that many chronic conditions—diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease— respond positively to changes in diet, fitness, and sleep habits. Clinicians who practice lifestyle medicine may prescribe changes to a patient’s daily routine instead of (or in addition to) medication. Sufficient changes to a patient’s lifestyle may even diminish hereditary conditions passed down from one generation to the next.
How is lifestyle medicine different from primary care?
Lifestyle medicine can be combined with traditional primary care–or advanced primary care at Kinwell. Lifestyle changes can be made alone or in conjunction with traditional medical therapies to treat and help prevent disease. Implementing healthy habits can reduce the need for expensive healthcare services, hospitalizations, and medications. Most importantly, healthy habits can improve a patient’s quality of life. The American College of Lifestyle Medicine suggests that good health comes from six categories and offers recommendations for each.
The six pillars of lifestyle medicine
Each pillar is a lens through which daily activities can be assessed. Every patient has their own challenges.
Nutrition
Make nutritious, fiber-filled food the staples of your diet. Favor more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid fast food, processed products, and refined sugar. Drink plenty of water.
Physical activity
Build more activity into your day. Park farther away from your destination to encourage walking. Take the stairs instead of an escalator. Increase activity slowly, with a goal of at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week.
Stress management
Distance yourself from stressful situations by making time for fun, hobbies, and other activities you enjoy. Try meditation, yoga, dance, gardening, or spending time in nature.
Restorative sleep
Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. To help fall asleep, avoid caffeine (especially after noon), get at least 20 minutes of sunshine during the day, and develop an evening relaxation routine.
Avoidance of risky substances
Reduce or eliminate smoking, vaping, and alcohol to lower your risk of cancers and heart disease. A free resource to help you quit smoking is 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Social connectedness
Spend time with friends and family who lift your spirits. Set regular times to engage with others. Social connectedness is essential to emotional resiliency and practicing healthy positivity.
Lifestyle Medicine at Kinwell Primary Care
Want to know where to start changing your daily routine? Kinwell clinicians can guide patients toward healthier habits. They identify which pillars to focus on and provide customized lifestyle prescriptions. Kinwell patients can work with a health coach to create a plan for gradual or significant changes to their routine. Health coaching is free for established patients at Kinwell clinics. Call us to find out more about lifestyle medicine coaching at Kinwell Primary Care.
