Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine
What Is Lifestyle Medicine?
According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine: Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine-certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions.
The six pillars of lifestyle medicine include:
- a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern
- physical activity
- restorative sleep
- stress management
- avoidance of risky substances
- positive social connections
Why People Choose Lifestyle Medicine Treatment
Lifestyle medicine can address up to 80% of chronic diseases. A lifestyle medicine approach to population health management has the potential to halt the long-term increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions and their associated costs. This approach often leads to higher patient and provider satisfaction, aligning with the goal of improving overall health outcomes while reducing costs. Furthermore, it promotes well-being for both patients and providers, and contributes to a more sustainable healthcare system. Lifestyle medicine serves as the foundation for a reimagined healthcare delivery model that prioritizes whole-person health and focuses on value-based care.
What Is Integrative Health/Medicine?
According to the Academic Consortium of Integrative Medicine and Health, Integrative medicine and health reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
We define Integrative Health as a whole-person approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies that focus on healthy lifestyle addressing stress, nutrition, movement, sleep, and environment to reduce suffering and enhance overall wellness.
Why People Choose Integrative Health Treatment
People today want to take responsibility for their well-being by addressing the effects of lifestyle, emotions, and social interactions on health. People with certain health conditions can greatly benefit from an integrative approach to care. Some of these conditions include:
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease
- Cancer treatment related side effects
- Fibromyalgia & chronic pain
- Menopause symptoms
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Preparation for elective surgery or recovery post-surgery
Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine at the Osher Center
Develop a Personalized Self-Care Plan with a Lifestyle Medicine Consultation
Our goal is to work with you to create a personalized self-care plan that you can implement and sustain with your lifestyle. At your lifestyle medicine consultation, you will initially meet with your physician or nurse practitioner for one hour. They will learn about your personal, medical and family history; your dietary, exercise and sleep habits; your sources of stress and coping mechanisms, and then will assess your health concerns and evaluate your symptoms, order any necessary tests and create mutually agreed upon lifestyle prescriptions.
To schedule a consultation, call 513-475-9567.
Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine Providers
Contact Us
Osher Center for IntegrativeHealth
Medical Sciences Building Suite 4358
231 Albert Sabin Way
PO Box 670582
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0582
Mail Location: 0582
Phone: 513-558-2310
Fax: 513-558-3266
Email: osher.integrative@uc.edu