Lifestyle medicine is needed now more than ever. Poor lifestyle choices such a smoking and overuse of alcohol and lack of physical activity are key contributors to the progression of many of the chronic diseases that put us at more risk of severe infection with this new corona virus.
What Is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle medicine addresses the root causes of disease with evidence-based therapies in lifestyle behaviors such
- diet
- exercise
- sleep
- social connectivity
- stress
It is the use of a whole food, plant-predominant dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connection as a primary therapeutic modality for treatment and reversal of chronic disease.
Lifestyle Medicine is Needed Now!
The rise in chronic disease trends and related healthcare spending in the United States and in many other countries is unsustainable. Type 2 diabetes alone is a pandemic with incalculable consequences.
80% or more of all healthcare spending in the U.S. is tied to the treatment of conditions rooted in poor lifestyle choices. Chronic diseases and conditions—such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, multiple types of cancer—are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health conditions.
The Good News!
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes and 40% of cancer could be prevented, primarily with improvements to diet and lifestyle.
To learn more about Lifestyle Medicine CLICK HERE for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
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