( continued from page 17) helping me achieve a healthy work-life balance.
LM has given me a meaningful way to add value to the world. It’ s not just about treating illness, but about helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through lifestyle changes, I’ m able to guide others toward their best selves— improving their physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life. This practice has aligned with my purpose, allowing me to make a lasting, positive impact on both individual lives and someday, the broader community.
The Path Forward for Lifestyle Medicine Integration
While LM has rapidly expanded globally, there is still significant work to be done. Despite the positive strides, no hospital system in Louisville currently offers LM services, and only a handful of physicians in Kentucky are listed as board-certified in LM.
Meanwhile, Kentucky ranks as the 5th least healthy state according to a recent study by Forbes Advisor. 3
Kentucky has:
» 3rd highest cancer mortality rate( 178.27 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
» 3rd highest drug overdose death rate( 45.77 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
» 4th highest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate( 58.7 deaths per 100,000 state residents
» 4th shortest life expectancy( 74.77)
» 4th highest percentage of adults who smoke( 17.4 %, tied with Mississippi)
» 5th highest percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes( 12.3 %)
» 6th highest diabetes mortality rate( 29.77 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
» 6th highest percentage of adults with high blood pressure( 39.9 %)
» 7th highest rate of both heart disease deaths( 206.13 deaths per 100,000 state residents) and kidney disease deaths( 18.5 deaths per 100,000 state residents). 3
The Kentucky Medical Association has launched its“ Small STEPS, Big IMPACT” public health campaign which incorporates LM principles. STEPS is an acronym for“ Screenings, Tobacco use, Exercise & Nutrition, Physician Visits and Stress.” 6
LM is gaining momentum in health care, but there are still some challenges to address in order to fully integrate it into mainstream practice. The future of LM depends on ongoing advancements in medical education, health care delivery and greater recognition from policymakers. By working together across the health care spectrum, we can unlock the full potential of LM and improve outcomes for patients, clinicians and entire health systems.
One area where we can make a significant impact is in medical education. The evidence supporting LM has been undeniable, and more medical schools and residency programs are incorporating LM into their curriculum. Continuing education for practicing clinicians plays a crucial role in ensuring we stay up to date with the latest evidence and best practices in LM. Imagine if all physicians from all specialties talked about the six pillars and empowered their patients for lifestyle changes … what a big impact that would be! It does not have to stop there either; we can incorporate LM into allied health care professionals’ curriculum as well. LM affects everyone.
Despite the overwhelming evidence for LM’ s effectiveness, health care systems have been slower to adopt it, partly due to structural challenges. The current fee-for-service model, which tends to reward medications and procedures over prevention and counseling, can make it difficult for lifestyle interventions to gain traction. However, as more health systems recognize the value of LM, we are beginning to see positive changes. Institutions like Harvard, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, UPMC, Kaiser and Ohio State are leading the charge, embracing LM as an integral part of their patient care approach. From inpatient LM consult service to outpatient shared medical appointments, there are so many programs that have been established. This shift is encouraging and sets a great example for others to follow. Insurance companies can incentivize by lowering premiums for clients who practice the six pillars of LM.
“ Kentucky ranks as the 5th least healthy state according to a recent study by Forbes Advisor.”
In order to create lasting change, it is essential that policymakers recognize the importance of LM. Governments can play a key role in supporting healthier environments by promoting access to nutritious food, encouraging physical activity and reducing exposure to harmful substances. By aligning public health policies with LM principles, we can create a society that values prevention, health and well-being.
The six pillars of LM— a whole-food plant predominant diet, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social con-
18 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE