The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call regarding the state of our health, individually and collectively. Our nation’s lack of health has left us blindsided and vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19, particularly in minority and underserved communities. In particular, is the need to address the explosion of chronic disease that has plagued our country for decades.
Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., has reached epidemic proportions. Sixty percent of American adults now live with at least one chronic condition, while 42 percent have more than one. Chronic disease now accounts for hundreds of billions of dollars in health care spending every year, representing as much as 86 percent of all health care expenditures.
It is time to shift the conversation about chronic disease and health disparities from chronic care management to treatment and reversal.
Eradicating chronic disease begins with a medical education and health care system that address the causes of these diseases rather than merely managing their symptoms and being powerless in their effects. The fast-growing specialty of Lifestyle Medicine can make a difference by focusing on the use of evidence-based therapies which utilize a whole food, plant-predominant dietary lifestyle, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky substances, stress management and positive social connection as a primary therapeutic modality for treatment and reversal of chronic conditions.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine addresses the gaping void for quality, evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine medical education and certification as well as advocates for its members in their individual practices.
The confluence of COVID-19 and the bright light shone on health disparities provide America a rare opportunity to ignite true and lasting transformation of our health care system. Now is the time, more than ever, for Lifestyle Medicine as the first and optimal treatment option for health restoration.
Learn more on their website – www.lifestylemedicine.org
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