Since I was a teenager, I have worn many different types and generations of smartwatches. I remove my watch only when I am in the shower. It tracks my sleep, and the smart alarm wakes you up at the best time each morning. The Kardia is small enough that I can check my ECG at home and detect any anomalies. My entire genome was sequenced to provide a detailed analysis of my genetic makeup. I also bring the relevant information to my general practitioner for my checkups, so we can discuss preventive measures. I am trying to live like the patient in the future and use lifestyle medicine to prevent chronic disease.
It is impossible for everyone to pose as a patient like this. First, access to these health trackers is a concern. Second, and most importantly, many people don’t know or aren’t encouraged by such devices. One of the most important authorities that can facilitate digital health tech adoption by patients is one’s doctor. Even though they might be open to the idea, some doctors may not be aware of it. If you are looking to be more proactive in managing your health using new technologies, where should you look?
Lifestyle medicine is a new field of medicine that could be the solution. Lifestyle medicine specialists are experts in preventive measures that can also be supplemented by digital health solutions. This can help set the stage for greater adoption of digital health. Let’s find out what it is, and how it can help us become the patients of the future.
What’s lifestyle medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is something you might not have heard about before. I didn’t know it until Dr. Reka Vernes, my GP, suggested it to me. Even the Wikipedia entry for lifestyle medicine is not very comprehensive. It’s understandable, however, given the fact that this field is relatively young in comparison to centuries-old medicine.
ACLM, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, initiated the process to create standards for lifestyle medicine as a separate field. ACLM defines it “the evidence-based practice that helps individuals and families adopt healthy behaviours that improve health and quality life.”
Although the field is similar to dietetics and nutrition, it takes a holistic approach. Six pillars are described by the ACLM in lifestyle medicine.
- Mostly whole, plant-based nutrition rich in nutrients and fibres
- Regular and consistent exercise can be done on a daily basis.
- Recognizing and managing stress
- Avoiding substance abuse
- Quality sleep
- Social connection is key to emotional resilience
The ACLM established the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance in 2015 to bring together worldwide professional associations in lifestyle medicine for scientific collaboration. This field is thriving in many countries, from the Philippines to the U.K., and events and conferences are held frequently.
ACLM’s Corporate Roundtable was established in 2016. It brings together thought leaders and professionals who are committed to making lifestyle medicine more accessible to everyday people. There are more than 40+ members in the corporate arm, which includes experts from healthcare organizations to many nonprofits, software companies, and educational institutions.
Lifestyle medicine is gaining popularity due to people becoming more proactive about managing their health. Healthcare professionals are needed to offer professional guidance and support.
Lifestyle medicine is a practice that helps type 2 diabetics. A growing number of studies show that lifestyle changes can have positive effects on health.
Dr. Vernes says: My goal is to help my patients be their best, regardless of chronic conditions. To achieve this goal, digital health can be an important aspect.
Becoming an expert in lifestyle medicine
My GP explained to me how she became a specialist. She was a non-US doctor who took the ACLM’s International Board Exam. She also received a DipIBLM diploma. It took place in the U.S. on the same day as ACLM’s annual conference in 2019. The exam required a course at American College of Preventive Medicine, a case study, participation in the conference and reading many books. The ACLM isn’t the only institution that offers the opportunity to specialize in lifestyle medicine.
Lifestyle medicine, although a relatively new field in the medical world, is becoming more integrated into life science curriculums. It is taught at the Baylor College of Medicine. Other sister organizations of the Lifestyle Medicine Global Alliance offer certificates and professional courses to qualified candidates.
“Trainees receive a lot of training in how to treat diseases, but very little on how to use nutrition or physical activity to prevent illness,” Sarah Keyes, Baylor College of Medicine certified lifestyle medicine professional, said. “Through lifestyle medicine training we are trying to change this and help the medical profession treat disease through improving lifestyle-related behaviors.”
Keyes said that tobacco use, poor diet and alcohol consumption are the main causes of death in studies. Lifestyle-related behaviors are often overlooked and cause all the diseases that we worry about in patients, family members, or ourselves.
Lifestyle medicine specialists are trained to address lifestyle issues that can improve one’s overall health. Dr. Vernes explains that lifestyle medicine is a way to approach medical care for chronic non-communicable disease. She said, “We follow lifestyle health parameters in order to gain more information about the patient; this is where digital tech comes into play.” Digital health tools can enhance the work of lifestyle medicine specialists.
Integrating digital health into lifestyle medicine
The Baylor School of Medicine stated that lifestyle medicine includes a combination of sleep and stress management, exercise, nutrition, and relationships. Digital health offers solutions that can monitor and prevent relevant parameters.
It is essential to get enough sleep. Research has shown that poor sleeping habits are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, suppressed immune systems, and even Alzheimer’s. Numerous sensors and apps, such as Sleep As Android, Apple Watch, or SmartSleep, can be used to improve your sleeping habits. Based on the results of your sleep analysis, you can also examine how other factors such as caffeine intake and dinner times affect your sleep. A specialist can help you improve.
Stress is a growing concern in our increasingly stressful world. Stress can have many negative effects on your body, including heartburn, insomnia, and an increase in stroke risk. This is where devices such as the Muse headband or apps like Headspace can be of great help.
Food scanners can alert you to the presence of a particular ingredient in your meal. These devices are useful for both overweight and allergic patients. The Nima peanut and gluten sensors were revolutionary for people who enjoy occasional pastries without worrying about the consequences. Unfortunately, both products have been discontinued.
Lifestyle medicine specialists may recommend such solutions to patients. They can monitor these parameters remotely and communicate with their healthcare providers if necessary.
Lifestyle as an advantage
Dr. Vernes shared her own experiences from her medical practice to illustrate this advantage. “I had a patient who came to me because his sleep app indicated that he was experiencing several awakenings throughout the night. He had sleep apnea, she explained. “I see patients who have a high blood pressure and have AFib. A patient who had a very low heart beat caused an alarm to be set on his heart rate monitor. He required a cardiac implantable electronic system.
We recently interviewed a patient who’s Apple Watch accurately notified him of an undiagnosed atrial fibrillation. This condition can lead to strokes. He was able to take preventive steps and have his doctor monitor his condition before any complications occur.
Lifestyle medicine can make it easier to detect early signs and take preventive steps.
The future doctor-patient relationship
Lifestyle medicine may be the right area for students and healthcare professionals who are interested in technology. This is a field where they can make a difference in the lives of patients and use new technologies to improve their healthcare.
So, for example, I took my data from my sensors and my genetic tests to my GP. She is data-savvy and analysed all the information. Then, she created a preventive program that included diet and exercise recommendations and regular testing.
Dr. Vernes stated that “traditionally we have worked with sick people, using medication, telling patients instructions, having snapshots of the patients’ health in the office, and we mostly look at organic causes as causation.” Lifestyle medicine emphasizes nutrition, exercise and sleep restoration. It also avoids toxic substances. Patients take an active role in their care. If necessary, medication and behavior changes can be combined.
This approach empowers patients to access their health data and allows healthcare professionals to monitor their parameters regularly for a preventive approach. This partnership will eventually result in equal-level care for patients and doctors. Lifestyle medicine can help to achieve this goal.
The Medical Futurist published Lifestyle Medicine Could be the Key to Digital Health Adoption.
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By: Pranavsingh Dhunnoo
Title: Lifestyle Medicine Could Be The Key To Digital Health Adoption
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/lifestyle-medicine-could-be-the-key-for-digital-health-adoption
Published Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000
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