Lifestyle Medicine and Social Prescribing

The concept of lifestyle medicine and social prescribing has been gaining traction in traditional medicine in recent years. It is a methodology of health and well-being that focuses on improving lifestyle choices and behaviors to prevent and manage chronic conditions. Lifestyle medicine refers to evidence-based strategies, including diet, physical activity and stress management to both prevent and treat illness and promote overall health. Social prescribing is a mechanism to refer patients to non-clinical services in the community, such as exercise classes, financial advice or community gardening, as part of their health plan. It enables healthcare professionals to address the broader determinants of health and wellbeing of patients. This approach to health has its roots in traditional and alternative medicine. Ancient approaches to healthcare often included a holistic perspective, which recognized the interaction between physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing and their influence on health. This approach is still reflected in some traditional medical practices around the world, where lifestyle and social factors are often incorporated into healthcare plans. Lifestyle medicine offers many potential benefits to those with chronic conditions. This includes the promotion of healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices to prevent and manage illness, as well as the reduction of symptoms and increased quality of life. Social prescribing enables healthcare professionals to extend medical care beyond the physical and pharmacological treatments to include psychological and social support. It has also been found to improve patient satisfaction and reduce use of health services. Lifestyle medicine and social prescribing offer a powerful approach to both preventing and managing chronic diseases. Healthcare professionals should consider these strategies when developing plans for patients with chronic conditions. These approaches incorporate the best of both modern western and traditional medical practices, both of which are necessary in providing comprehensive care.