Abstract
As guest editors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s 2021 conference edition, we are both honored by the opportunity to curate articles that exemplify the key themes from LM2021 Lifestyle Medicine: Patient Centered. Value Based. Outcome Driven.
More than 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic, with waves of variants cresting and receding, we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Lifestyle Medicine colleagues throughout the nation and beyond. You have worked tirelessly to advance the cause of health in times that challenge both patient and provider—spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Pandemic fatigue is real. Burnout is real. COVID-19’s exploitation of pre-existing fault lines along racial, socio-economic, and language barriers in our society has shown us that we are fighting a battle for health on more fronts that we can count.
We are overwhelmed, but the tools of Lifestyle Medicine can allow us to overcome.
This passion was evident in the work of the enthusiastic and committed ACLM staff members who pulled together a stellar virtual conference for a second year. A tremendous effort to showcase the work of Lifestyle Medicine frontline health professionals, health systems, and healthcare leaders, so that this knowledge could be shared and spread.
This edition is an effort to bottle pieces of that knowledge.
Here, we share the work of LM experts who are focused on expanding the reach of patient-centered LM interventions to impact every part of the lifespan. From birth, to childhood and adolescence, into adulthood.
We also learn about specific LM considerations in the care of women—for dermatologic conditions, infertility, and breast cancer.
Among the positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic is the focus on mental health and destigmatizing mental health disorders. Here as well, the conference provided an opportunity to learn more about the bidirectional relationship between mood disorders and lifestyle behaviors.
We also recognize that our work in LM comes at a unique time, a time where we have been set up for success by our LM “elders.” We honor the leaders who have done the arduous work of laying the groundwork so that we can now look to a future that appreciates the value of LM interventions and allows us to take advantage of the movement toward value-based care.
The insights from current, former, and future Presidents of ACLM and Former Surgeons General help us to see why the time IS now for LM. They also help guide to move in a direction that ensures that our interventions are not only outcome driven—but intentionally improve the lives of all patients with health equity as a core value.
As LM health professionals, we can vigorously pursue outcomes that lead to health rather than simply more sick care.
Ultimately, no outcome is more central to our work than protecting the health of our patients on a healthy planet. At this moment, our prescriptions for plan-forward diets, physical activity and active transport, stress management, avoidance of toxic substances, and social connection are urgently needed. As LM practitioners, our prescription pads allow us to combat the interconnected health threats of chronic disease, health disparities, and climate change—protecting both personal and planetary health.
With the support and countless resources from ACLM—not least of which are the dedicated staff and inspirational leaders—and by continually learning from each other, we can ensure that the patient-centered, valued-based, and outcome-driven work of LM transforms health now and well into the future.
