What is lifestyle medicine?
What is lifestyle medicine and why is it important?
70% of all presentations to general practice are thought to be related to personal lifestyle choice with, around 80% of premature deaths attributed to these lifestyle related factors - poor diet, inactivity and tobacco. Identical twin studies have shown that 10% of chronic medical problems can be contributed to genetics. This is great news as it gives us the power to modify our health destiny.
Lifestyle medicine uses a holistic approach to health incorporating health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management. It is used to help individuals and families adopt and sustain healthy behaviors that affect health and quality of life. It is an evidence based approach, incorporating the best scientific information available.
Lifestyle Medicine focuses on the six main pillars of personal health
healthful eating- whole foods, mostly plants
increase physical activity
restorative sleep
strategies to manage stress
avoidance of risky substances
enhanced social connections
As well as considering the broader factors that impact an individuals’ health and well-being. Poverty, health inequality, social isolation, loss of culture and identity as well as looking after the health of our planet. These factors are all interwoven and influence each other, so we need to be looking at the big picture to improve our happiness and vitality.
From the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)