Is Lifestyle Medicine 'Real' medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine can only be practised by health professionals - either doctors or registered nurses under the supervision of doctors. It is definitely ‘real’ medicine because it involves taking a history, performing an examination, doing special investigations as necessary, forming a problem list and treatment goals, and implementing a management plan… The same steps followed in any medical consultation. Lifestyle Medicine practitioners prescribe medication when necessary, but have the knowledge and skills to assess and manage the source of many health problems - poor lifestyle.
Is Lifestyle Medicine an alternative therapy?
Lifestyle Medicine is not an alternative therapy. It is a branch of Western medicine and is practiced all over the world. The principles underlying Lifestyle Medicine are based on rigorous scientific research and clinical trials. The recommendations proposed by Lifestyle Medicine practitioners are always backed by science.
Do Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe in medication?
Lifestyle Medicine practitioners use medication to treat their patients all the time. But, Lifestyle Medicine practitioners believe that through changes in behaviour, it is possible to reduce the amount of medication required to keep health problems under control. It is possible for a patient who has been taking medication for years to change the way they live which brings about positive health benefits that allows him/her to stop taking medication.
Can't my normal GP do what a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner does?
The honest answer is 'YES", however, your normal GP is unlikely to have the level of knowledge and skill in lifestyle assessment and management because of the limited training he/she received at university in the fields of nutrition/dietetics, exercise physiology, psychology and environmental impact on health. Your normal GP is also unlikely to want to spend the time that is required to do a thorough Lifestyle Medicine assessment because he/she cannot charge you extra for his/her time.
Can't I go to a dietitian?
Again, the answer is 'YES', however a dietitian is trained in dietary assessment and dietary advice only. A dietitian cannot do a physical examination or interpret investigation findings or prescribe medications.
What about my other health problems?
Dr Karen is a qualified and experienced medical doctor. She is able to assess and treat any complaint that you would have seen your usual GP about.
However, she takes a more comprehensive approach. For instance, if you come with a chest infection, she will be more thorough and go more in-depth about your lifestyle habits, such as… ask around smoking habits and exposures at work that may contribute to your current problem. She will tailor your treatment option according to the nature of any chronic conditions you have.
Why combine Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine?
It is true that many doctors now practice aesthetic medicine. That is the use of injections, chemical peels and other procedures to enhance a person's appearance. Many do not look at how lifestyle factors contribute to the ageing process. Diet, exercise, sleep patterns and psychological well-being all contribute to the appearance of the skin, face and body. Combining Lifestyle Medicine with Aesthetic Medicine, you get the best of both worlds - health and beauty from the inside out.