Lifestyle Medicine
It’s an eye-opening statistic: About 80% of chronic disease and premature death could be prevented with lifestyle modifications.
In response, the MNPS Health Care Centers has established a Lifestyle Medicine department. This service seeks to:
- Promote healthy lifestyle as a way to prevent and treat chronic diseases
- Empower people to engage in healthy lifestyles through a combination of clinical guidance, education and peer support
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine is a medical specialty that takes an evidence-based approach to treating, reversing and preventing chronic disease. It's based on six pillars: eat smart, move your body, manage stress, cultivate relationships, sleep well and avoid risky substances. Lifestyle medicine doesn’t replace medical treatment; instead, it supports it and ultimately may reduce or eliminate the need for other medical intervention.
Group Medical Visits
Group Medical Visits are a key component of our Lifestyle Medicine department. A Group Medical Visits is a unique type of medical appointment, generally focused on a single health or lifestyle topic. They're a popular way to address health and lifestyle issues that require ongoing self-management. Learn more about our Group Medical Visits.
Lifestyle Medicine Programs
We currently offer these lifestyle medicine programs:
- Full Plate Living
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
- Heart & Sole Walk Club - Monthly Saturday walks around Nashville, open to all MNPS employees
- Nature Rx - Experience the health benefits of nature
- Exercise Rx - By referral only, from a clinic primary care provider to a Fitness Associate who works one-on-one with the patient for a set number of visits
Ages Served
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Varies; see individual lifestyle medicine program
Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
Eat Smart
- Eat more whole, plant-based foods — vegetables, fruit, beans and lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
- Eat less highly processed foods (e.g., packaged snacks, sugary drinks) and animal products like red meat.
Move Your Body
- Get at least 150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
- Devote at least two days per week to strength training.
Manage Stress
- Recognize negative responses to stress (e.g., poor focus, substance use).
- Learn and practice healthy ways to cope (e.g., breathing, meditation, time in nature).
Cultivate Relationships
- Develop new and strong social connections at work, at home and in the community.
Sleep Well
- Address the causes of poor sleep (e.g., stress, food, environment).
- Try proven strategies to get the right amount of quality sleep each night.
Avoid Risky Substances
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce or stop drinking alcohol.