Lifestyle & Nutrition Support
An evidence-based foundation for preventing, treating, and sometimes reversing chronic disease by addressing the daily habits that shape long-term health.
The Foundation
Health Is Built in Everyday Life
Lifestyle Medicine uses evidence-based lifestyle interventions to help prevent, manage, and, in some cases, improve chronic conditions. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, it considers how everyday factors such as nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, social connection, and passion may influence health.
At Rochester Clinic, Lifestyle Medicine is one of three approaches that may inform care, alongside Functional Medicine and Regenerative Medicine. How these approaches are used depends on each patient's condition, needs, and goals.
The Six Pillars
The Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
These six areas form the foundation of the lifestyle medicine approach. Together, they influence how the body heals, how chronic disease develops, and how well treatment outcomes last.
Nutrition
Focus on a variety of whole, plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Plan to consume a rainbow of foods with different colors to provide complete nutrition with various phytonutrients and antioxidants. Drink plenty of fluid, mostly water. Make sure to have sufficient vitamins B12 and D.
Movement
Have gentle movements throughout your day and avoid long sitting. Go for a walk during breaks and after a meal. Remember to stretch and add vigorous cardio exercises a few times a week. Proper and adequate varieties of movements can improve overall health and mental wellness.
Stress Management
Life is not stress free. Review your daily routine to reduce stress. Try different ways to manage stress, such as walking, exercises, meditations, music, essential oils, or even a new hobby. Proper stress management can improve mental wellness and physical health.
Passion
Find or develop purpose that you enjoy and look forward to. It may not be grandiose, but it provides you the will and energy to face the daily challenges.
Sleep
Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep every day, no later than 11 PM. Sunlight exposure, or light therapy in cold winter, improves the daily rhythm. Avoid caffeinated drinks in late afternoon. Develop your good sleep hygiene, such as no screen time one hour before bedtime and keep the room dark and quiet. Daily restful sleep helps reduce your stress and improve cognitive functions.
Social Connectedness
Your social network is your support system. Your connections share your joys and disappoints and are there for you when you need them. The network can help reduce your stress and improve your mental wellness. It is easy to connect in this digital world but in-person human touch works the best.
What It Helps
How Lifestyle Medicine May Support Your Health
Lifestyle Medicine is highly recommended for chronic conditions such as:
- Metabolic Conditions
- Circulatory Conditions
- Chronic Inflammation
- Arthritis & Joint Conditions
- Chronic Pain
- Neuropathy & Nerve Conditions
- Weight & Body Composition
- Mobility & Physical Function
It is also a powerful complement to specialty care. Recovery from injury, chronic pain, and metabolic conditions is influenced by nutrition, activity, sleep, stress, and connection, so these factors often become part of a patient's treatment plan.
Education & Programs
Turning Knowledge Into Everyday Practice
Healthy living looks different for each person. Our educational programs and classes provide practical information, tools, and support to help patients apply Lifestyle Medicine principles in ways that fit their individual health needs and goals.
Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP)
A structured lifestyle education program that helps patients make sustainable changes to nutrition, activity, and stress.
Nedley Depression & Anxiety Recovery Program (NDARP)
An evidence-based program addressing the lifestyle factors that influence mood, sleep, and mental well-being.
Group Visits & Classes
Shared medical visits and educational sessions where patients learn and progress together.
View eventsAsk your provider which programs are the right fit for your health and goals.
Start With a Conversation
Request an appointment to learn how Lifestyle Medicine can be part of your care plan.