What exactly is LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?

Conventional care is the current practice of most primary care providers believing disease processes occur from exposure to a virus or bacteria or from an environmental factor or from genetic predisposition. Treatments may be ACUTE to kill the bug or LONG-TERM to control the disease and/or risk factors that can shorten our lifespan.

Patients are considered the recipients of this type of care- they are expected to comply with treatment but not make any significant changes. Physicians are considered responsible for the care and outcomes, while the patient remains a passive receiver.

In LIFESTYLE MEDICINE, the goal is rather to treat the underlying cause. Most modern diseases are caused by lifestyle. Lifestyle changes must be part of the cure!

Lifestyle modification is prescribed as the FIRST-LINE and MOST IMPORTANT therapy for disease treatment and reversal. LIFESTYLE MEDICINE requires patient engagement and patient responsibility for treatment and outcomes. The physician acts as both a medical expert and a supportive coach. The patient drives the change needed to achieve success.

Lifestyle Medicine identifies six areas or "pillars" of focus: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management/self-care, the elimination of risky behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use, and mindfulness/positivity.

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” -Thomas Edison