Living well is not just a goal; it’s a power we can all tap into. Dr. Ajay Joseph, an interventional cardiologist, emphasizes this idea. He believes that many health issues we face are actually within our control.
Dr. Joseph will be speaking at the annual Red, Set, Go heart health luncheon in Port Angeles. His mission? To share the benefits of lifestyle medicine and how small changes can lead to big improvements in health.
In his experience, 85% of hospital cases stem from lifestyle choices. “We’re dealing with a chronic disease epidemic,” he states. “If we don’t tackle the root causes, we’re just mopping the floor.”
He heads the Lifestyle Medicine Program at the Saint Francis Health System in Oklahoma. Dr. Joseph aims to address the whole person—physical, emotional, and social health. “It’s all connected,” he explains. Bruce Skinner, the OMC Foundation’s director, praises his approach, noting its unique focus within the state.
Dr. Joseph’s journey into lifestyle medicine began after his cardiology training at Rush University in Chicago, where he learned from experts in plant-based nutrition. His program has shown significant success; last year, a pilot initiative for hospital employees led to improvements in diabetes management and weight loss.
The Lifestyle Medicine Program covers six vital areas: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, substance use, and social connections. It’s not just about telling patients what to do; it’s about teaching them how. “If you can’t cook, knowing you should eat healthy is pointless,” he argues.
His program includes personalized plans based on individual lifestyles, exercise sessions in the hospital gym, and cooking classes led by chefs. He believes that addressing all six areas can decrease heart attack risks by up to 90% and cancer risks by about 50%. “The body can be incredible if we take care of it,” he adds.
Despite the clear benefits, Dr. Joseph notes that the current healthcare system isn’t incentivized for prevention. Many lifestyle programs are covered by insurance, but cooking and exercise classes often aren’t. He advocates for change in this area, emphasizing that investing in lifestyle medicine can lower healthcare costs in the long run. “Better diabetes control means fewer strokes and heart attacks,” he points out.
Even for those who feel it’s too late to change, Dr. Joseph shares inspiring stories. One patient transformed his life, losing 70 pounds at 78 just in time for his granddaughter’s wedding. “It’s never too late to start,” he concludes.
For more insights on lifestyle medicine, check out the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s website here.
