This is what my friends and I have been discussing recently – so many of us have felt the emotional and physical toll from this past year. From what seems to be the unrelenting news cycle, increased demands at work and at home with virtual technology required to support many of our needs these days, the stress can really add up. For many Americans, this year is only the tip of the iceberg. Paired with more time in front of the computer, altered sleep patterns, and the constant availability of food that we know might not be the healthiest choice, we might all be feeling off-kilter.
These very real parts of this last year have enhanced what Lifestyle Medicine experts have known for years: our environment is making us sick. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 80 percent of chronic diseases are related to lifestyle choices. The food we eat, substances we use, how well we sleep, the way we move or don’t move, and the stress and connections we have in our lives all shape our health. Luckily, making a lifestyle change is something you don’t have to do alone.
At St. Joe’s, we will support you on your journey to better health. Our Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Practitioners work collaboratively with you to help you realize your fullest potential through lifestyle change. Lifestyle Medicine uses evidence-based, therapeutic interventions to improve whole-health through the use of six pillars:
- Developing effective strategies to manage stress
- Enjoying a plant predominant diet
- Attaining restorative sleep
- Forming and maintaining positive relationships
- Increasing physical activity
- Avoiding risky substances
Our team is proud to offer a new program, the Lifestyle Medicine program, which is a complete package for whole-health education. We provide services for people with all types of chronic illnesses. Involvement of family and support persons is strongly encouraged to help promote healthy self-care practices.
Lifestyle Medicine can help you:
- Use evidence-based approaches to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease
- Establish healthy habits related to nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, positive relationships, and avoidance of risky substances
- Use evidence-based actionable steps to improve your whole health
- Reduce medication usage
- Improve weight and waist circumference
- Enhance your overall quality of life
- Provide pre-surgery support
If you are interested in learning more about Lifestyle Medicine or signing yourself for an initial consultation, check us out at stjoeshealth.org/LifestyleMedicine or contact us directly at 734-712-7451 or LifestyleMedicine@stjoeshealth.org.
