萝莉社

Lifestyle medicine physicians are trained in evidence-based lifestyle interventions and work closely with patients to create personalized, realistic action plans, or 鈥渓ifestyle prescriptions.鈥� Even small changes can add years and improve the quality of your life.

What are the biggest misconceptions about lifestyle medicine?

鈥淟ifestyle medicine doesn鈥檛 work because people are stuck in their ways.鈥�
We use an evidence-based approach to guide people at every stage of readiness. You don鈥檛 have to be fully committed to lifestyle medicine. Learning about the connection between lifestyle and what鈥檚 happening in your body can plant the seed for future action.

鈥淵ou have to go all-in to see results.鈥�
Change doesn鈥檛 have to be extreme. Replacing one weekly meat-based protein with a plant-based one, taking a 10-minute walk after dinner, or better managing stress, can have meaningful long-term benefits. The goal is to focus on one small step at a time until it automatically becomes a part of your habits.

鈥淓ating healthy means giving up all your favorite foods.鈥�
Lifestyle medicine adds more nourishing, whole and plant-based foods, much like a prescription 鈥� not a restriction. You鈥檒l feel more satisfied and have fewer cravings for highly-processed or sugary foods.

What inspired me to become a lifestyle medicine physician?

It started with my mother, who was always looking for the latest nutrition recommendations, doing yoga at home and trying to live a healthy life. Living in a rural town, the doctor鈥檚 offices were packed, and she felt like she was given little guidance on non-medication approaches. As someone who preferred a natural approach, she felt left out by the traditional health care system.

I was fascinated by science as a young student and decided to try to fill that gap. I studied everything I could on the mind-body connection and the body鈥檚 natural healing processes. Lifestyle medicine gave me the training I needed on evidence-based interventions. As I learned more, I shared it with my mother. Now I see her in so many of my patients and only want to empower people with information so that they can make informed decisions.

My approach to patient care

I start by asking permission to talk about lifestyle. I let patients know this is a judgment-free zone, and I鈥檓 here to guide them in reaching their goals. We explore the following topics.

• Causes of stress

• Daily nutrition

• Physical activity levels

• Sleep patterns and how well they sleep

• Social support and connections

• Substance use, including alcohol, tobacco and others

Depending on the goal of the visit, I connect the dots between lifestyle factors and the conditions my patients have, or are at risk for, and recommend interventions. For example, a lifestyle intervention for hypertension could be the DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, which may lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

If the health condition is mild or in its early stages, I will recommend lifestyle changes to prevent the need for medications later. If their condition is more advanced, I鈥檒l recommend focusing on medication first to stabilize the condition more quickly, then combining lifestyle changes.

I refer to community resources when appropriate. If a patient is not ready to commit to any changes, I provide information for them to take home. Most people are recommended for a two- or four-week follow-up.

What are some simple lifestyle changes you can make starting today?

1. Nutrition: Eat more plant-based food. Add more fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains to your meals.
2. Movement: Take a 10-minute walk, stretch during TV commercials or dance to your favorite song.
3. Sleep: Prioritize a bedtime routine.
4. Stress: Try practicing mindfulness with a five-minute breathing exercise or meditation break.

Don鈥檛 wait for a diagnosis or a new year to begin a lifestyle change. Every small step you take adds up to better your health. It鈥檚 never too late to start, and no effort is too small.

If you鈥檙e looking for a primary care physician who is board-certified in lifestyle medicine, is accepting new patients. Visit 萝莉社 Community and Family Medicine 鈥� Jacksonville or call 904-383-1002 to make an appointment.

Visit 萝莉社 Community and Family Medicine 鈥� Jacksonville or call 904-383-1002 to make an appointment.

Visit 萝莉社JaxPrimaryCare.org to find a primary care practice near you.