Lifestyle Medicine
According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, “lifestyle medicine is the evidence-based practice of helping individuals and families adopt and sustain healthy behaviors that affect health and quality of life.”
Patients who want to better understand the science behind lifestyle medicine turn to the Rochester Clinic for educational workshops and treatment programs. As a lifestyle medicine provider, our physician team and staff utilizes evidence-based best practice guidelines to assess and treat the root cause of common chronic diseases. Instead of simply recommending a management plan for patients, our providers take an inventory of a patient’s current lifestyle, including activity, nutrition, stress management, social connection, passion and sleep. The most important aspect of a lifestyle medicine treatment plan includes education and coaching. We believe in empowering patients to take control of their health, which is the best way to achieve ultimate wellness.
Our Lifestyle Medicine Approach
Empower and lead patients to a healthier life by providing personalized, compassionate medical care and lifestyle education. The lifestyle medicine approach consist of 6 pillars that we strongly value and use to help treat all conditions for our patients.
Nutrition
Focus on a variety of whole, plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, legume, 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 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 We Recommend
The lifestyle medicine approach is highly recommended for chronic conditions, such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Weight issues
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Chronic inflammations
- Fibromyalgia
We offer educational programs to help patients understand and successfully make sustainable lifestyle changes. These programs include the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP), Nedley Anxiety and Depression Recovery Program, and a series of group visits.
Customer Testimonials
“Dr. Harman is the most professional, empathetic, informative, and personable person I have encountered in my 62 years. I would trust him with my life as well as that of my family. He is the best!”
“They have all been very helpful and very nice. I don’t feel like I am being judged by anyone for my illness and I greatly appreciate that. Thank you.”
“They helped me get my life back without controlling every aspect of my life. Without this facility I’m not sure where I would be right now.”