The Fundamental systems for the clinical practice of lifestyle medicine
These clinical systems and their graphics are available for licensing for use in practice and elsewhere, with associated training in their use.
Not-for-profit educational institutions (not-for-profit ".edu" organizations) may use the graphics below for educating healthcare professionals without charge. We simply ask that you use them well and explain them properly with the proper application.
To better healthcare for those we serve!
Not-for-profit educational institutions (not-for-profit ".edu" organizations) may use the graphics below for educating healthcare professionals without charge. We simply ask that you use them well and explain them properly with the proper application.
To better healthcare for those we serve!
the comprehensive healthcare pyramid model - ideal healthcare
What does ideal clinical healthcare look like graphically? What are the pieces? How are they put together? In what relationship?
This is the universal model of ideal healthcare. It is self-explanatory. But you can watch the 7-1/2 minute video below if you want to hear the story.
This is the universal model of ideal healthcare. It is self-explanatory. But you can watch the 7-1/2 minute video below if you want to hear the story.
Balance and Common Sense
There is nothing crazy or radical about this approach. Any and all therapy categories can and should be used in a manner that is in the best interest of the patient. And the patient is in the driver's seat - it is their life, their decisions, etc. I am the professional advisor. My job is to present a clear picture of the options - with pros and cons - provide my recommendation with an explanation, and then work with them to fulfill their objectives. It is simply how I would want to be treated if I were the patient.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle is the use of elements of basic, daily living as treatment for medical problems - nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management/relaxation, sunlight/vitamin D, etc. As an example, science shows that exercise is as effective as prescription medication or psychological therapy for depression. Or the fact that sleep problems can cause fatigue, depression, high blood pressure, overweight, etc would logically lead us to evaluate and treat sleep problems as appropriate in dealing with any of these problems - instead of just writing another prescription. Lifestyle is the foundation of all effective long-term treatment and should receive the greatest emphasis in general.
Physiology
Physiology is essentially any and all treatments that are relatively “natural”, work with the body’s physiology, and have scientific evidence to support their use. These are things beyond what we would do in our daily lifestyle habits. They do not usually require a prescription. Physical modalities like physical therapy or massage would be included. Nutritional supplements could fall into this category. Anything that meets the above criteria would be included here. Side effects are typically minimal or mild, or may actually be positive.
Prescription
This is fairly self-explanatory. These are often substances that are foreign to normal human physiology or natural processes. The frequency and magnitude of negative side effects are often significant. Prescription medications can be a wonderful thing. It is life-saving to have modern antibiotics with serious infections, etc. Our problem is that our priorities are scrambled and our emphasis is all wrong. A healthcare system driven by corporate profit does not create optimal healthcare for patients (or providers). Let’s use prescription medications when we truly need them, but not instead of identifying and correcting the causes of disease.
Surgery
This level includes not only surgery but all medical treatments that are “invasive” and/or have a relatively high risk of very serious complications or side effects - like chemotherapy or radiation. These are not inherently evil things. Sometimes it is necessary to do things that are dangerous or very unpleasant to save a life. We need to be thankful for these options while doing all that we can to minimize the problems.
lifestyle medicine vital signs: vitalities®
There is nothing more foundational than routinely assessing and monitoring the drivers of health and disease if one is to practice effective, truly evidence-based medicine. And yet we don't typically do that in modern healthcare.
Early in the history of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Braman introduced that concept of lifestyle medicine vitals signs. It was included in the JAMA competencies publication and should be a fundamental part of lifestyle medicine practice anywhere and everywhere.
Dr. Braman has spent many years developing the concept, testing it in practice, and created Vitalities®. What "vitals" are to regular disease care, "Vitalities®" are to evidence-based "health" care, or lifestyle medicine. The video shares the story of how it came about.
Early in the history of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Braman introduced that concept of lifestyle medicine vitals signs. It was included in the JAMA competencies publication and should be a fundamental part of lifestyle medicine practice anywhere and everywhere.
Dr. Braman has spent many years developing the concept, testing it in practice, and created Vitalities®. What "vitals" are to regular disease care, "Vitalities®" are to evidence-based "health" care, or lifestyle medicine. The video shares the story of how it came about.
the whole person "neuron" model
How do people work? Why do we do what we do? Or not do what we don't do? How can I understand my patient and what is going on as I seek to work with them to change and use lifestyle as medicine?
People are complicated. This model is the most comprehensive and yet simple model of the human psyche and human behavior that we have ever seen. As one becomes skillful with it, it is incredibly powerful in enabling effective engagement for positive change.
The video is a little long (just under 15 minutes) but incredibly helpful in understanding this model.
People are complicated. This model is the most comprehensive and yet simple model of the human psyche and human behavior that we have ever seen. As one becomes skillful with it, it is incredibly powerful in enabling effective engagement for positive change.
The video is a little long (just under 15 minutes) but incredibly helpful in understanding this model.
tree of my life visual life history
Why is my patient smoking when they know it will kill them? What are the forces and people who have shaped my patients life that they now have these lifestyle practices and the resultant diseases? How can I short this out more efficiently? How can I do it primarily for the benefit of my patient?
Finally, a whole new way of taking a formative history for patient-centric, effective lifestyle medicine (and any healthcare service) care. Patients participate in completing it. Patients come to understand how they came to be where they are today.
Yes, it will take a bit of instruction and skills development for many. But oh so worth it!
Finally, a whole new way of taking a formative history for patient-centric, effective lifestyle medicine (and any healthcare service) care. Patients participate in completing it. Patients come to understand how they came to be where they are today.
Yes, it will take a bit of instruction and skills development for many. But oh so worth it!
the universal purpose of existence
This is not a visual model, per se. It is a universal, fundamental, reality or truth. It is what we are designed for, what makes life worth living. Doing lifestyle medicine just to have less disease will be minimally effective. Doing lifestyle medicine in service of and in fulfillment of this universal purpose will tap into the deepest aspects of humanity.
This universal truth is inherent in all components and functionalities of the Whole Person "Neuron" Model. Understanding this purpose and becoming skillful in the "Neuron" application in patient care is a very powerful combination for empowering transformative change in patients lives.
This universal truth is inherent in all components and functionalities of the Whole Person "Neuron" Model. Understanding this purpose and becoming skillful in the "Neuron" application in patient care is a very powerful combination for empowering transformative change in patients lives.
For more in depth training on these clinical systems for licensees, go to our "in depth" training sessions.