Nursing & Health

While the field of lifestyle medicine has been growing rapidly world-wide over the past two decades in particular, the prevalence of chronic (lifestyle-related) disease is increasing, particularly in developed nations. Lifestyle Medicine approaches are a promising basis for preventing, managing and reversion chronic disease; however, these approaches are based almost exclusively on individual behavioral change. Such changes are best developed and supported with a health-coaching methodology

Background: Affective disorders are becoming more pervasive worldwide, including in Southern Africa, where treating patients with these conditions is challenging due to social and financial constraints. A variety of non-pharmacological approaches including lifestyle medicine (e.g., exercise, nutrition, sleep) and positive psychology practices (e.g., gratitude, service), are effective for treating mental health (MH) conditions.

Methods: Twenty-six individuals from South Africa with a diagnosed MH condition participated in a 10-week multimodal intervention incorporating a diverse range of non-pharmacological strategies for improving MH. MH metrics were assessed pre-and post-intervention, including general MH, vitality/energy (VIT), depression, anxiety, stress, and satisfaction with life. MH and VIT were also measured weekly.

Results: Improvements were observed in all mental metrics from pre-to post-intervention: MH (59%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.36), VIT (110%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 1.71), depression (−46%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.06), anxiety (−48%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.21), stress (−36%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = −1.08) and life satisfaction (23%, p < 0.001, Cohen’s D = 0.66). Significant improvements in MH and VIT were observed after only 1 week of the intervention and progressively increased until the seventh week, after which further improvements were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The findings of this cohort study indicate that a multimodal intervention that incorporates lifestyle and positive psychology practices may benefit individuals living with an affective disorder. Non-pharmacological, multimodal interventions might offer a stigma-free way of providing MH promotion and treatment at a population level.

The lifestyle medicine core competencies were developed by a committee of physicians from several medical specialties to provide guidance on the knowledge and skills needed for physicians to provide high quality lifestyle interventions that optimize chronic disease outcomes. These competencies were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2010 and used as the foundation for the first lifestyle medicine course and for the lifestyle medicine board certification examination. In the ensuing years, interest in the field and application has expanded to a variety of health professionals. With evolution of the lifestyle medicine evidence-base, the competencies have been updated. This article sums up the changes in their organization and content. Regular updates are anticipated to align with the ongoing scientific studies and evolution of the field.

The practice of lifestyle medicine and its emphasis on behavioral change continues to grow around the world. Yet much of the burden of disease weighing on healthcare systems from chronic, modifiable conditions remains stubbornly present. From a behavior change perspective, efforts to date have primarily focused on public health messaging and public health campaigns (global approaches) to interventions such as health coaching (individual approaches). There exists an opportunity to consider contextual elements which support behavioral change. The practice of “nudging” behavior in primary care and allied health settings is proposed as a means of responding to these contextual opportunities. Nudging does not assure change; however, it can invite curiosity about change and small behavioral efforts in the direction of a desired change. Furthermore, its nature conserves autonomy and patient choice while inviting a health-creating behavior. As such, when considered and applied in the context of public health and individual treatment options, it creates a consistent milieu in which behavior change is facilitated.

Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) introduce the passionate people making a difference in the pioneering field of lifestyle medicine. In this episode Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) speak with Stephan Herzog, a professional whose passionate about chronic disease reversal in corporate, medical and community settings.

Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) introduce the passionate people making a difference in the pioneering field of lifestyle medicine. In this episode Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) introduce Liana Lianov as a passionate person leading the movement to promote the science of positive psychology and health in health care.

Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) introduce the passionate people making a difference in the pioneering field of lifestyle medicine. In this episode Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) speak with one of the world’s lifestyle medicine pioneers, Garry Egger.

Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) introduce the passionate people making a difference in the pioneering field of lifestyle medicine. In this episode Simon Matthews (Wellcoaches Australia) and Darren Morton (Avondale University) speak with innovative integrative health educator Jessica Matthews.

The "7 Dimensions of Wellness" is a 9-part short documentary series that explores pathways for enhancing our overall health and wellbeing. Join Darren Morton as he speaks to leading experts, conducts fun experiments and presents fascinating insights into how we can live our best life.

The "7 Dimensions of Wellness" is a 9-part short documentary series that explores pathways for enhancing our overall health and wellbeing. Join Darren Morton as he speaks to leading experts, conducts fun experiments and presents fascinating insights into how we can live our best life.