Lifestyle Medicine

The medical and pharmacological fields have come a long way in the past 100 years when it comes to the treatment and prevention of diseases both common and uncommon. However, the research that has been done in those fields has made it apparent that some diseases are best prevented and treated through the use of lifestyle changes. Diseases that have a genetic link, such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer, can be eased if not prevented by leading a lifestyle that is conducive to good health. Since lifestyle can be a primary cause of medical difficulties, the field of lifestyle medicine was born.

Lifestyle medicine aims to assess the medical profile of an individual and determine what lifestyle changes should be prescribed to them in order to most positively affect the state of their health and any health issues from which they may be suffering. Lifestyle medicine addresses unhealthy habits and routines which should be changed in order to prevent serious problems. Improving nutrition with a healthy diet, boosting cardiovascular health with regular exercise, smoking cessation, treatment for pathological issues that may be related to a psychological problem. The use of lifestyle medicine can help people to address major parts of their every day routine that are causing medical issues and eliminate them with the use of certain emotional and behavioral principles as well as potential outside pharmacological or other medical intervention.

As physical improvement via lifestyle changes is the primary aspect of lifestyle medicine, the use of physical therapy, otherwise known as physiotherapy Woodbridge, can also fall under the category of lifestyle medicine. Physical therapy is generally used to help an individual recover the strength and ability of motion of a body part following an accident or due to a health condition. Through repeated exercise and condition, the use of physical therapy as a form of spot training can help that individual to be more physically fit and able to regain most or all of the use of their injured body part. Vaughan physiotherapy is one center for physiotherapy who offers for those in need of physical help.

Over time, the use of lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy body and treat or prevent disease can save a great deal of physical and financial hardship. Starting the appropriate lifestyle changes, such as consuming a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, ceasing smoking, treating psychological issues that can have a long term destructive effect on the body and avoiding harmful substances, can be a major factor in allowing someone to live a long and healthy life. Doctors who have specialized in lifestyle medicine can help patients to make the right choices regarding their diet and the type of cardiovascular exercise that is best for them as well as explain how these choices can improve their health. These doctors can also refer patients to appropriate professionals for physical therapy or psychological therapy as well as supplement lifestyle changes with pharmacological interventions such as smoking cessation aids and antidepressants or anti anxiety medications.