Lifestyle medicine is changing the way physicians treat chronic disease by focusing on daily habits alongside traditional medical care. Dr. Laiken Hayes, a primary care physician at Med Center Health and recently board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist, says it is a structured, evidence-based approach that uses behavior change as a core treatment.
“Lifestyle medicine is a way to treat chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and so much more,” said Dr. Hayes. Lifestyle medicine means lifestyle changes. These changes are foundational to every guideline for treating chronic disease. This is not about groundbreaking, fringe, or alternative practices. People are searching for a more natural and holistic way to address health conditions and preserve health. Lifestyle medicine is a focus of practice that promotes the optimization of a healthy lifestyle to treat the root cause of many chronic diseases. Lifestyle medicine brings the evidence backed interventions to the forefront to help promote health-span. And that’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.”
Lifestyle medicine helps prevent, treat, and sometimes even reverse chronic illnesses by addressing the everyday behaviors that have the greatest impact on health. Rather than relying solely on medications, it focuses on sustainable changes that improve long-term health.
Six Foundational Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
- Nutrition – Emphasizing a diet centered on whole, predominantly plant-based foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
- Physical activity – Encouraging regular movement, with special attention to resistance training.
- Sleep – Prioritizing seven to eight hours of consistent, restorative sleep.
- Social connection – Building strong support networks that promote better long-term health.
- Avoidance of toxic substances – Reducing or eliminating tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
- Stress management – Learning practical strategies to manage chronic stress and reduce disease risk.
These pillars are more than wellness trends. They are practices that can significantly improve health. During a lifestyle medicine visit, physicians spend time understanding a patient’s daily routine, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, and support systems. Together, they develop realistic, achievable goals that fit the patient’s lifestyle.
“This approach to patient treatment isn’t just for those who are extremely health-conscious,” said Dr. Hayes. “This approach can be life-changing, especially for those that are struggling with many health conditions. Anyone can benefit from lifestyle medicine if they’re interested in making behavior changes.”
Lifestyle medicine complements, but does not replace, traditional medical care. While many patients still need medications, healthier habits can improve conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, and in some cases reduce the amount of medication needed.
“While visits with a healthcare provider are important, they represent only a small part of a person’s overall health journey,” said Dr. Hayes. “The biggest opportunities to improve health happen between appointments – at home, at work, and in the community – where healthy habits and daily support make the greatest difference.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hayes, call 270-901-0629 or text MCHDOC to 270-796-3200.
-submitted by Med Center Health
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