nections and avoiding risky substances— are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. These habits are learned over time, and by embedding them into our daily lives, from schools to communities, we can foster a culture of health that benefits everyone. By making LM a core part of health care from an early age, we can help future generations prevent chronic diseases and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The integration of LM into health care is not just a possibility— it’ s an opportunity for all of us to work together to build a more sustainable and effective health care system. Through education, health care reform and supportive policies, we can create an environment where prevention, health and well-being are the foundation of care for everyone.
Imagine What That World Would Be Like?
A world where the norm is to follow the six pillars of lifestyle medicine would be one marked by vibrant health, thriving communities and a deep sense of well-being. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and obesity would be drastically reduced. Public spaces would be designed to promote movement, with parks, walking paths and community fitness centers accessible to all, making physical activity a natural part of daily life. Healthy foods would be more readily available, reducing food deserts. Stress levels would be lower, as mindfulness, relaxation techniques and stress management practices would be widely adopted. Strong social connections would flourish, creating supportive, engaged communities where people prioritize relationships and mental well-being. It would be a productive society with less substance use and restorative, not restless, sleep. Schools and workplaces would emphasize health-promoting behaviors, teaching children and adults alike how to make healthy choices. Health equity would improve, as preventive care and healthy living would be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Ultimately, it would be a world where people thrive, not just survive, leading healthier, happier lives and building a more resilient society.
Conclusion
It’ s time to transform health care by embracing lifestyle medicine! For too long, we’ ve overlooked its potential, while chronic diseases continue to claim millions of lives each year. The good news is that the power to prevent, treat and even reverse chronic diseases lies within our daily habits. We can choose to regain control over our daily habits.
Now is the time to prioritize these six pillars of LM in our personal lives, communities and health care systems. Let’ s shift from a reactive, disease-focused approach to one that empowers individuals to live with vitality, purpose and control over their health. Each of us has a role to play. Whether you are the health care team, an insurance company, a policymaker, an educator or a patient, your actions can make a difference. Advocate for healthier environments, support policies and programs that make LM accessible and integrate LM principles into your daily routine.
Together, we can create a world where lifestyle medicine is the foundation of health care, leading to thriving communities and healthier lives. The future of health is in our hands— let’ s do this!
References:
1
American College of Lifestyle Medicine website. www. lifestymedicine. org
2
Facts At Glance. https:// lifestylemedicine. org / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 06 / June-2024-Fact-Sheet. pdf
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States With The Least Healthy( And Healthiest) Populations, Ranked. https:// www. forbes. com / advisor / life-insurance / states-ranked-least-healthy-populations /
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Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions. https:// www. cdc. gov / chronic-disease / data-research / facts-stats / index. html
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Webinar: Advancing the Quintuple Aim through Lifestyle Medicine within FQHC / CHCs. https:// clinicians. org / event / lifestyle-medicine-quintuple-aim-chcs-webinar /
6
Kentucky Medical Association Launches‘ Small STEPS, Big IMPACT’ Public Health Campaign Campaign Encourages Kentuckians to Take Small Steps to Better Health. https:// kyma. org / kentucky-medical-association-launches-small-steps-big-impact-public-health-campaign /
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6-Pillar Handouts to be used to share with patients. https:// connect. lifestylemedicine. org / viewdocument / 6-pillar-resource-w-qr-codes. Accessed January 26, 2025.
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Ornish D. Avoiding revascularization with lifestyle changes: The Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project. Am J Cardiol. 1998; 82( 10b): 72t-76t. http:// doi. org / 10.1016 / s0002-9149( 98) 00744-9
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White ND, Lenz TL, Skrabal MZ, Skradski JJ, Lipari L. Long-Term Outcomes of a Cardiovascular and Diabetes Risk-Reduction Program Initiated by a Self-Insured Employer. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2018; 11( 4): 177-183.
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Kelly, J, Shull J. Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine: The Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Manual. 2nd Edition; 121-154.
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The State of Sleep Health In America 2023. https:// www. sleephealth. org / sleephealth / the-state-of-sleephealth-in-america /.
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Hafner M, Stepanek M, Taylor K, Troxel W, Van Stolk C. Why Sleep Matters- The Economic Cost of Insufficient. A cross-country comparative analysis. November 30, 2016. https:// www. rand. org / pubs / research _ reports / RR1791. html
Dr. Kellie is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine and has a primary care practice and a weight management practice with Norton Medical Group. She is also a life coach with LifeFulfilled Through Wellness Coaching, LLC where she helps clients with burnout management, mindset transformation and result-oriented wellness coaching. https:// pensight. com / x / lifefulfilledwellnesscoaching.
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