"THE BEST CARE OFTEN TURNS OUT TO BE THE LEAST EXPENSIVe."
-DR. ATUL GAWANDE
the problem
The medical guidelines that every doctor uses have lifestyle interventions as first line treatment for many diseases. This means, it is the most effective treatment. And lifestyle medicine is almost completely free. Unfortunately, most physicians will spend most of their efforts prescribing and adjusting medications which are much less effective.
THe solution
If we spent just a little more effort on creating effective plans to implement healthier lifestyles we wound have astounding results. The following are a few studies which have shown this approach to be essential and effective.
American Journal of Health Promotion
Health Coaching to Improve Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors: An Integrative Review.
This study found significant improvements in one or more of the behaviors of nutrition, physical activity, weight management, or medication adherence.
(Olsen, https://doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.090313-LIT-101)
Australian Journal of general practice
Health coaching as a lifestyle medicine process in primary care.
This study outlined that the traditional healthcare approach is not fully effective at supporting health behavior change in an era of chronic diseases and non physician health care worker are essential.
(Conn, https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.677929098103677)
Professional Case Management
Cost-Effectiveness of Health Coaching.
This study showed that longterm health coaching can be very cost effective and save money and health for years to come.
(Hale, https://doi.org/10.1097/NCM.0000000000000223)
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Clinical Effectiveness of Lifestyle Health Coaching.
This study found that health lifestyle coaching can help lower participant's blood pressure, improved their cholesterol levels, increased their VO2 max, decrease body weight, and increase quality of life.
(Gordon, https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827615592351)
Patient Education and Counseling
Long-term effectiveness of health coaching in rehabilitation and prevention: A systematic review.
Some studies showed longterm effectiveness of lifestyle coaching in a rehabilitation and others in a preventative setting.
(Dejonghe, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2017.04.012)
Journal of Public Mental Health
Lifestyle coaching for mental health difficulties: scoping review.
This study found that lifestyle coaching can help with mental health challenges by symptom reduction, enhanced self-management and achievement of personal goals.
(Bishop, https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-04-2017-0018)