Hi readers. I am Dr Fay Karpouzis (PhD), and I am passionate about making a difference in the arena of Public Health. I recently attained my Doctorate in the area of nutrition, education and sustainability. My vision is to positively impact the health and well-being of people of all age groups. I consider myself to be a health advocate, author and speaker, and I have a lot to say!
Enough about me, let’s begin talking about one of my favourite topics:- Lifestyle Medicine and why it is so important.
Despite the fact that there is an overwhelming large body of evidence that lifestyle factors significantly impact short- and long-term health, wellbeing and quality of life, the medical profession has found it difficult to help their patients to adopt healthy habits and to drop unhealthy habits.
So, perhaps if we keep sharing the message, the message will get through.
This is my contribution...
I don’t know if you know it or not, but Lifestyle Medicine is becoming increasingly popular. Current health trends are revealing that the public has an interest in health, wellness and prevention. As demand increases, our doctors will need to be skilled in the area of lifestyle medicine.
One such group of like-minded health professionals has formed the ‘Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine’ i.e. ASLM. They are part of a global movement, actively promoting, educating and advocating for change in health, healthcare, society, and the environment for our future, by focusing of ‘Lifestyle Medicine’.
Factors that influence the chance of becoming ill, having poor health, a disability, a disease or dying, are known as risk factors. Some risk factors can be altered, changed or transformed, or as they are referred to in health care, they can be ‘modified’.
The most common modifiable risk factors are:
- poor diet or nutrition
- physical inactivity
- smoking
- alcohol over-consumption
- chronic stress and anxiety
- poor or inadequate sleep
- social isolation.
The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine are also related to the modifiable risk factors. If modified (for the better), these can prevent, manage and reverse chronic and lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory conditions, chronic musculoskeletal conditions, diabetes and mental health conditions.
These modifiable risk factors are:
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Good Sleep
- Stress Management
- Social Connections
- Substance Abuse Management.
In the coming weeks and months I will be sharing information related to lifestyle medicine and will provide tips and ideas to help you and your loved ones make healthier lifestyle choices.
Join me next time when I discuss Pillar 1: Nutrition, and I focus on the health benefits of the ‘Mediterranean Diet’.
For more information, or to enquire about and public speaking engagements and bookings, visit drfay.com.au
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