The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine aims to prevent, manage, and, in some cases, reverse chronic diseases. Over 80% of all chronic disease are lifestyle related. This means your choices in how you eat, sleep, manage stress, move, connect with other, and consider substances directly influence your health.
UPMC Lifestyle Medicine is a medical specialty, and our providers are trained by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, following the most up-to-date research. Examples of chronic disease that respond to Lifestyle Medicine include, but are not limited to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Digestive Diseases
- Mental Health Diagnosis (anxiety, depression, etc)
- Chronic stress
- Chronic pain
Examples of risk factors leading to chronic disease that respond to Lifestyle Medicine include, but are not limited to:
- Obesity
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Unmanaged stress
- Poor or lack of sleep
Other risk factors that influence chronic disease include:
- Tobacco/nicotine use
- Alcohol consumption
- Abuse of prescription & non-prescription drug
Lifestyle Medicine is also helpful in the prevention and treatment of many common autoimmune diseases, cancers, heartburn/reflux, chronic kidney disease, and other common illnesses. Often times lifestyle changes can also improve symptoms not directly linked to a specific diagnosis.
Contact UPMC Lifestyle Medicine
lifestylemed@upmc.edu
412-647-8611
Location: Fully virtual