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Health Consultations

Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine

What is

Lifestyle Medicine?

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based approach to preventing, treating, even reversing diseases by replacing unhealthy behaviours with positive ones. Lifestyle Medicine takes into account the whole person, the complex interactions of physical, mental, emotional and social factors that contribute to illness.

It allows the body to protect and heal itself by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. It also provides a framework for establishing and maintaining optimal health. Finally, lifestyle medicine seeks to identify and treat the cause of the problem, rather than addressing only the symptoms.

Why is lifestyle medicine important?

Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the UK (and other first world countries). Rates of chronic disease have never been higher, and the cost of chronic conditions are eating up the NHS’s time and money. More than 40% of people in the UK have at least one chronic disease, and more than 15% have two. The most common chronic diseases in the UK are heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and arthritis.

Although there is no medical cure for chronic disease, there is plenty of research that lifestyle habits can have a direct impact on managing them, for better or for worse. That means changing your lifestyle by eating better, managing stress and exercising more, can improve and even prevent chronic disease. Without more pills and procedures.

What are the components

of Lifestyle Medicine?

According to the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, there are six main pillars of lifestyle medicine.

1

Physical Activity and Exercise

Regular and consistent exercise that can be maintained on a daily basis throughout life is best. Walking, cycling, gardening and simple weight-bearing exercises like push-ups, squats and lunges are essential for maintaining healthy bone and muscle mass.
2

Diet and Nutrition

Food is medicine. Whole, nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods are best. Avoid hydrogenated oils, sugar and too much gluten and dairy.
3

Sleep

Lack of, or poor-quality sleep can lead to a strained immune system. Improve sleep by assessing and improving diet, sleep environment and coping behaviours to stress.
4

Stress Reduction and Mental Health

Stress can lead to improved health, productivity and resilience – or it can lead to anxiety, depression, immune dysfunction and weight gain/obesity.
5

Harmful substance reduction

Additive substance abuse can increase risk for many diseases and cancer. Work on positive behaviours that improve health and limit or better yet, stop, alcohol, drugs and smoking.
6

Healthy Relationships and Social Support

Social connectness is essential to emotional resiliency. Studies show that isolation is associated with increased mortality. Live near and interact with family, friends or the community around you. Find social activities to engage in.

How can lifestyle medicine benefit me?

As part of your consultation, Jill assesses these main areas of lifestyle medicine and provides feedback and personalised advice to fit your lifestyle. She meets you where you are, guides and supports positive behavioural changes that improve your health.

If you’re ready to take control of your health, get in touch or book your consultation now.