As a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, I often get asked, “What exactly is Lifestyle Medicine?”
Simply put, Lifestyle Medicine is a evidence-based approach to health that focuses on addressing the root causes of disease rather than just treating symptoms. It empowers you to take control of your health through six key areas:
🥗 Nutrition: Learning how food choices can prevent, treat, and sometimes reverse chronic disease
🏃♀️ Physical Activity: Finding enjoyable ways to incorporate movement into your daily life
🌙 Sleep: Optimizing your sleep quality and quantity for better health
🧘♀️ Stress Management: Developing practical strategies to manage life’s challenges
👨👩👧👦 Social Connections: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships that support your health
🚬 Substance Use: Making informed choices about alcohol, tobacco, and other substances
How is this different from traditional medical care? While traditional medicine often relies primarily on medications to manage chronic conditions, Lifestyle Medicine offers a comprehensive approach that can:
- Reduce dependency on medications
- Address the underlying causes of health issues
- Prevent future health problems
- Improve your overall quality of life
At Hershey Primary Care, we integrate Lifestyle Medicine principles into your care plan, giving you the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make lasting health changes.