If you have a passion to pursue a practice that prioritizes lifestyle medicine, you are likely aware of the evidence to support the need for lifestyle medicine interventions. You are also likely familiar with the challenges of implementing them. The crux of lifestyle medicine is the ability to support our patients’ behavior change. Health behavior change can be achieved by effectively negotiating the appropriate lifestyle prescription which the patient is ready to pursue, referring to community and technology resources and assuring the patient obtains intensive support.

However, the US Preventive Services Task Force gives a C grade for counseling for healthful diet and physical activity for prevention of cardiovascular dieases. Studies have not shown efficacy, probably because the providers are unable to offer the intense counseling that is required. Time constraints and lack of training and confidence in counseling present barriers.

Read the entire "President's Desk" for March