Longevity and Lifestyle Medicine: Key Principles to Living a Longer, Healthier Life
My Journey through Internal Medicine
Early Medical Aspirations
When I decided to become a doctor, I was 18! I went from high school to medical school and committed the next 10 years to becoming a licensed physician. Being with people at the most humbling moments has been one of the greatest honors I've had in my life. When I put on my first white coat (the superhero doctor cape), I was filled with excitement and hope when I put on my first white coat. I knew I could make a difference in people's lives through Medicine.
Recognizing Healthcare Limitations
I practiced traditional medicine for a decade from 2014 to 2024. I diligently treated symptoms and prescribed medications. But something was missing. I noticed a troubling pattern: patients struggled to remember their medications, dosages, and reasons for taking them. Many lacked access to their medical records, whether electronic or paper. It dawned on me that we had strayed from the essence of healthcare - prevention and longevity. My best friend got ill in 2011 and it was then when she shared her questions with me, when I recognised this huge communication gap. I immediately created a shared note in my iPhone and wrote a template of information the way we write history and physical notes and progress notes and she still uses that 14 years later to reference the last imaging, last blood work, changes in medications/dates and why, and to remember who her care team is! None of this stuff is easy, not alone, and definitely not when it's a foreign topic.
Understanding Longevity Medicine
Longevity medicine isn't a new concept; it's always been about living longer, healthier lives. While it's true that our bodies may occasionally falter, we don't have to be passive bystanders in our health journey. We can actively participate in our own WellBeing.
The Six Pillars of Medicine
This realization led me to explore. Medicine is built on six fundamental pillars:
Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep for full-body restoration.
Exercise: Incorporating regular exercise into our daily routines.
Nutrition: Embracing a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern.
Stress Management/Mental Health: Developing techniques to modulate our stress response.
Community/Social Connections: Fostering relationships and social engagement.
Avoidance of Risky Substances: Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding harmful substances.
The Impact
Studies have consistently shown that embracing a healthy lifestyle not only extends life expectancy but also increases active life expectancy without difficulties in daily activities. You can take your supplements, but after you’ve perfected at least 3 of the 6 pillars. Without a rock solid foundation, there is no structure.
Call to Action
Remember, it's never too late to start prioritizing your health. Whether you're in your 50s or beyond, simple interventions can be the key to health and longevity. Regular check-ups, staying physically active, making healthy food choices, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all crucial steps towards a longer, healthier life.
Final Motivation
As your partner in health, I urge you to take action today. Start by incorporating one of the pillars into your daily routine. Consider beginning with a 10-minute walk each day or adding more plant-based foods to your meals. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in your health and longevity.
Remember, you are not just a bystander in your health journey - you are the hero, the protagonist and the main character. Let's work together to write a story of vibrant health and longevity. Your future self will thank you.
WellBeings, the power to transform your health lies within you. Will you take the first step today?
