Lifestyle Medicine Promotes a Healthier Population
With chronic diseases, such as stroke, cancer, and diabetes on the rise globally, the urgency to address modifiable risk factors has never been more apparent. 50% of premature deaths in the United States are linked to lifestyle-related behavioral risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and sedentary habits. This underscores the crucial need for interventions that target lifestyle choices to prevent and manage chronic diseases effectively, and thus, Lifestyle Medicine has emerged as an important innovation in healthcare.
Lifestyle medicine seeks to empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through six fundamental pillars: healthy eating, regular exercise, avoidance of harmful substances like opioids and alcohol, stress management, prioritizing restorative sleep, and fostering meaningful relationships.
Rather than treating symptoms, Lifestyle Medicine addresses the root causes by promoting comprehensive lifestyle modifications. This integrative approach not only improves the longevity of life but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals.
This patient-centered approach to healthcare takes into account each individual's unique circumstances, preferences, and challenges. Providers can tailor interventions that are realistic, sustainable, and effective. Whether it's designing personalized nutrition plans, prescribing tailored exercise regimens, or implementing stress-reduction techniques, Lifestyle Medicine emphasizes the importance of individualized care to achieve long-term success.
Lifestyle Medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare delivery, placing the power of prevention and management squarely in the hands of individuals. Lifestyle medicine also presents immense potential for cost savings and healthcare system sustainability. By preventing the onset of chronic diseases and reducing the burden of existing conditions, Lifestyle Medicine can alleviate the strain on healthcare resources while promoting a healthier population.
Rooted in community wellness, philosophies of Lifestyle medicine have long been implemented by various providers at Barton Health. Lifestyle programs such as Vitamin (N) wellness outings, fitness, and nutrition counseling are part of a collaborative strategy providers engage with their patients to promote and maintain healthier living.
Together, with high-quality medical care, our community has their best chance at achieving health goals and living an active, fulfilled life.
Dr. Erin Jones is a board-certified Primary Care Provider with Barton Primary Care in Stateline, NV. Also board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Jones provides patient-centered care around chronic disease prevention for the Lake Tahoe community. For more information or to establish a primary care provider, visit BartonHealth.org.
