Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based practice of helping people adopt and sustain healthy behaviours like improving diet, increasing activity, managing stress, sleeping well, moderating alcohol consumption, and quitting tobacco. Large studies show such habits can extend our lives by well over a decade. What’s more, these habits can even keep these extra years free of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer.

Here are 6 ways to start taking control of your health today.

Nutrition

Eating a plant-based diet — meaning a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains — can lower inflammation, as well as the risk of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Simply put, food is medicine.

Exercise

Regular and consistent physical activity that can be maintained on a daily basis throughout life – walking, gardening, push ups and lunges – is an essential piece of the optimal health equation.

Stress

Stress can lead to improved health and productivity – or it can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. Helping patients recognise negative stress responses, identify coping mechanisms and reduction techniques leads to improved wellbeing.

Sleep

Lack of, or poor-quality sleep can lead to a strained immune system. Identify dietary, environmental and coping behaviours to improve sleep health.

Substance abuse

The well-documented dangers of any addictive substance use can increase risk for many cancers and heart disease. Positive behaviours that improve health include cessation of tobacco use and limiting the intake of alcohol.

Relationships

Social connectedness is essential to emotional resiliency. Studies show that isolation is associated with increased mortality. Considering a patients home and community environment improves overall health.