The Family Practice Clinic of the Midwest University offers a variety of health services, including lifestyle medicine, to help patients with a healthy lifestyle and increase their quality of life. In addition, medical students acquire clinical experience and expertise with patients who come for living in lifestyle, and some may choose to specialize in the field. Kimberly McKinnon, DO, family medicine, lifestyle medicine, clinical assistant teacher, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), Chicago College of Osteopath Medicine (CCOM), has shared information on the field of lifestyle medicine. “The University of Midwest provides solid support for lifestyle medicine thanks to its multi -room clinic. By promoting a collaborative and preventive model of care, the clinic allows patients to explore and adopt healthier lifestyles with skilled professionals, “said Dr. McKinnon.
The central aspect of lifestyle medicine emphasizes changes to prevent, treat and possibly reverse chronic conditions that patients can face, said Dr. McKinnon. “By approaching key behavior – such as diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, we create individualized care plans that help patients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.”
“As a living -style medicine diplomat since 2019, I specialize in patients to optimize their health thanks to practices based on evidence. Lifestyle medicine is not only an addition to care, it is a framework that guides the way I approach each visit of the patients. Whether it’s preventing heart disease, managing diabetes or treating obesity, my goal is to allow patients to take care of their health and make sustainable and significant changes, “said the Dr McKinnon.
Lifestyle medicine is made up of six pillars: physical activity, manage stress, get enough sleep hours, appropriate nutrition, socialization and move away from risky substances. Patients can feel overwhelmed at the idea of adding these changes to their lives, and Dr. McKinnon advised them to start small. “Take a pillar at a time, making progressive changes that seem to be achievable. Even small steps, like adding a short walk to your day or focusing on a better routine at bedtime, can create significant improvements over time. Coherence is more important than perfection, “she said. Dr. McKinnon added: “Lifestyle medicine is very personalized – it is not a question of following a rigid control list but of finding what works for you. The six pillars provide a framework, but the trip belongs to you. Even small incremental changes can create a training effect that transforms your health and life. The key is to start, regardless of the size of the step. »»
One of the most difficult aspects of the integration of lifestyle changes is to overcome personal obstacles such as motivation, time and frustration if progress does not go as fast as the patient wishes, described Dr. McKinnon. “My role is to help them sail in these obstacles. I act as a coach and partner, taking the time to listen and understand their unique situation. Together, we map the strategies to advance them, ”she described. Dr. McKinnon stressed that one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is to see someone overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.
The incorporation of an appropriate diet is a common struggle, and the first step that patients can take is to understand their food intake and the way it aligns their objectives, said Dr. McKinnon. She shared that nutrition is deeply personal, that it is used for weight loss, diabetes management, construction of healthy muscles or other reason. She discussed the practical strategies to practice good nutrition on a budget. “Purchases in affordable grocery stores and meal preparation can save time and money. Plan to cook meals that can extend over a few days and try to limit restaurants. Small adjustments like these can make a healthy diet that is both achievable and durable, ”added Dr. McKinnon.
Finding time to exercise is another challenge to which patients with busy schedules face. “The exercise should not mean spending hours at the gymnasium. Simple activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park further or incorporate short walks into your routine – are excellent starting points. Remember that movement does not concern perfection; This is progress, even if it is only 10 minutes a day. She also said that patients who prefer structured training, such as weightlifting or resistance training, can do these exercises at any time of the day.
Dr. McKinnon has also shared important advice for patients working to integrate lifestyle medicine. “Changing your lifestyle is a process, not a quick solution. Patience, persistence and a desire to celebrate small victories along the way. The reverse will occur, but they are only part of the trip. Staying focused on your goals and giving you grace during the most difficult times will help you succeed. »»