Unlocking Wellness: The Rapid Rise of Lifestyle Medicine and the Benefits of Certification

The AMA Update focuses on important health care topics that affect everyone’s lives, including physicians, medical students, and patients. It features discussions on COVID-19, medical education, advocacy, burnout, and vaccines. Experts share their insights and experiences, making this a valuable resource for those in the medical field.

One key topic is lifestyle medicine. It’s gaining popularity as a way for doctors to enhance patient care. To help us understand more, we have Dr. Michael Suk, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees and a certified lifestyle medicine physician.

Dr. Suk explains that lifestyle medicine is all about using everyday lifestyle changes to manage chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. This approach emphasizes evidence-based strategies that can complement any medical specialty. For example, an orthopedic surgeon can encourage physical activity and better nutrition to help patients recover from surgery faster.

The foundation of lifestyle medicine rests on six key pillars:

• Nutrition: A focus on healthy eating, often with an emphasis on plant-based diets.
• Physical Activity: Encouraging movement as a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle.
• Stress Management: Techniques to handle stress and promote mental well-being.
• Avoiding Harmful Substances: Understanding the impact of alcohol and other risky behaviors.
• Restorative Sleep: Prioritizing adequate sleep for overall health.
• Social Connections: Building meaningful relationships for a healthier life.

Dr. Suk has noticed an increase in interest in lifestyle medicine, especially as people seek longer, healthier lives. The trend shows that many want not just to live longer but to have a better quality of life, referred to as “health span.” This means focusing on how to stay active and engaged throughout one’s life, rather than just adding years without health.

Dr. Suk points out that these principles can benefit all specialties. Whether it’s orthopedic surgeons, OB/GYNs, or others, integrating lifestyle medicine can enhance patient outcomes. He believes that all medical professionals stand to gain by understanding and applying these concepts in their practices.

As more healthcare providers recognize the value of lifestyle medicine, Dr. Suk encourages patients and healthcare professionals to start with small, manageable changes. Small steps can include improving sleep habits or increasing daily movement. These efforts can lead to significant improvements in health and overall quality of life.

In summary, lifestyle medicine represents a holistic approach to health care that emphasizes prevention and manageable lifestyle changes. By focusing on the six pillars, healthcare providers can help patients lead healthier, fuller lives.