LIFESTYLE MEDICINE

It’s an eye-opening statistic: About 80% of chronic disease and premature death could be prevented with lifestyle modifications.

In response, the MNPS Health Care Centers has established a new department: Lifestyle Medicine. This wellness-based service seeks to:

• Promote healthy lifestyle as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases

• Empower people to engage in healthy lifestyles through a combination of clinical guidance, education and peer support

What is lifestyle medicine?

Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based (science-backed) approach to treating, reversing and preventing chronic disease through non-drug means. It doesn’t replace medical treatment; instead, it supports it and ultimately may reduce or eliminate the need for medical intervention.

The lifestyle medicine approach is based on six pillars:

1. Eat smart

2. Move your body

3. Manage stress

4. Cultivate relationships

5. Sleep well

6. Avoid risky substances

Six pillars of lifestyle medicine

EAT SMART

• Eat more whole, plant-based foods –– vegetables, fruit, beans and lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

• Eat less highly processed foods (e.g., packaged snacks, sugary drinks) and animal products like red meat.

MOVE YOUR BODY

• Get at least 150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.

• Devote at least two days per week to strength training.

MANAGE STRESS

• Recognize negative responses to stress (e.g., poor focus, substance use).

• Learn and practice healthy ways to cope (e.g., breathing, meditation, time in nature).

CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop new and strong social connections at work, at home and in the community.

SLEEP WELL

• Address the causes of poor sleep (e.g., stress, food, environment).

• Try proven strategies to get the right amount of quality sleep each night.

AVOID RISKY SUBSTANCES

• Stop smoking.

• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol.

Group Medical Visits

One key component of our Lifestyle Medicine Department is Group Medical Visits. A GMV is a unique type of medical appointment, generally focused on a single health or lifestyle topic. They're a popular way to address health and lifestyle issues that require ongoing self-management. Learn more.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Lifestyle Medicine

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