We know that medications are lifesaving, but they still don't address the underlying issues of chronic disease. This fall news from Ladies First explores several aspects of addressing lifestyle issues, from learning about Lifestyle Medicine, to walking the talk.
Lifestyle Medicine
New Curriculum
You can now learn the core competencies of Lifestyle Medicine, through online modules offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) WISEWOMAN Program and the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM).
This online curriculum addresses the balance of lifestyle change and medication management that shortens a patient's recovery and reduces future risk. For example, one of the core competencies reviews the practical aspects that patients face when trying to make lifestyle changes. Participants increase nutrition knowledge
by reviewing culinary techniques to prepare food that is consistent with limited to moderate budgets, time constraints,
and nutritional recommendations. The benefits of plant-based diets and increasing fiber are also reviewed. The curriculum emphasizes provider education and encourages providers to personally adopt culinary medicine so that they are more likely to prescribe the methods to their patients.
are available for providers and their patients. These resources are helpful for patients who want to start cooking healthy meals at home and need clear demonstrations.
Getting at the Cause: Evidence-Based Lifestyle Medicine
Another source for learning about promoting healthy behaviors in your practice is the Lifestyle Medicine Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to informing the public and health care practitioners abut lifestyle medicine.
LifestyleFacts.org disseminates evidence-based content for providers, and shares educational, scientific and research information about lifestyle medicine to help patients live vibrant, high quality and healthier lives.
Walk With A Docwas started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. Frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, Dr. Sabgir invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, over 100 people showed up, energized and ready to move. Since that first event in 2005, Walk with a Doc has grown as a grassroots effort.
Meet Ladies First Member, Jo, she started her weight loss journey by walking and attending Weight Watchers through Ladies First: Now she is down 30 pounds!
"I never thought I would be able to stick with a plan. Never even gave a thought to going to the gym. But because Ladies First encouraged me, I did try. And found out I love it..."