Research shows that health systems which promote lifestyle medicine create a positive environment for both clinicians and patients. These organizations don’t just talk the talk; they actively support healthy living choices and make it easy for everyone to participate.
The study highlighted several effective practices. For example, providing resources for collaborative groups, advertising lifestyle medicine initiatives, and offering healthy, plant-based meals in cafeterias greatly enhance the success of these programs. Participants noted that a supportive workplace culture is crucial for the implementation and longevity of lifestyle medicine initiatives. This culture includes social support, a physical environment that encourages healthy behavior, and colleagues who engage in healthy practices themselves. Open communication emphasizing trust, gratitude, and collaboration further strengthens this supportive atmosphere.
Dr. Joel Gittelsohn, a senior investigator from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, found the study’s findings very insightful. He mentioned that as various health systems adopt lifestyle medicine services, sharing experiences and best practices from successful implementations can guide others looking to improve patient care. The study’s use of case studies enabled a detailed understanding of both the achievements and obstacles faced in integrating lifestyle medicine.
Many health systems, such as NYC Health + Hospitals and the U.S. military, are increasingly adopting lifestyle medicine, aiming for comprehensive, patient-centered care. They strive to meet the quintuple aim: better health outcomes, lower costs, improved patient satisfaction, enhanced provider well-being, and greater health equity. Currently, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) includes 116 health systems across 38 states.
Dr. Gittelsohn emphasized the importance of strong leadership and a cohesive approach in implementing lifestyle medicine. Organizations that back lifestyle medicine champions and foster healthful behaviors set a great example, which earns the trust of both clinicians and patients.
Lifestyle medicine is a unique medical specialty focusing on treating chronic issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity through lifestyle changes. Certified clinicians use evidence-based practices to promote healthy habits that can often reverse these conditions. This approach revolves around six core principles: adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet; regular physical activity; adequate sleep; effective stress management; strong social connections; and avoiding harmful substances.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) works to advance lifestyle medicine as a crucial part of a reformed healthcare system aimed at comprehensive patient well-being. The organization trains and equips healthcare providers to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases by addressing modifiable risk factors. Since its inception in 2004, ACLM has provided over 1.2 million hours of education on lifestyle medicine to medical professionals while also promoting research and improving clinical practices.
If you have questions or want to learn more about lifestyle medicine, feel free to reach out to Alex Branch, Director of Communications at ACLM, at 817-307-2399 or email at [email protected].
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Source linkAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine
