Lifestyle Medicine

Food is medicine. Choose mostly whole, plant-based foods that are rich in fiber and are nutrient dense. Vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Eating whole plant foods is a great way to get in more nutrition with less harm and is one of the best ways to prevent, treat and even reverse many chronic diseases. See a plant-based cooking demo and learn more plant-based recipes at the Food for Health Site. Take a Thrive Kitchen Class

Regular and consistent physical activity that can be maintained daily throughout life such as walking, gardening, aerobics, and strength training – is an essential piece of the optimal health equation. Find physical activity tips and videos at our Center for Healthy Living website.

Stress is a part of life. How we think about it and how we react to it makes the difference in how it impacts our self-care and our health. Negative stress responses can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. There are many things that you can do to help you manage stress and improve overall health. Learn more about mental health and wellness or sign up for one of our available classes.

Lack of, or poor-quality sleep can lead to a strained immune system. Negative effects of sleep delays or interruptions include sluggishness, low attention span, decreased sociability, depressed mood, decreased deep sleep, decreased caloric burn during the day, increased hunger and decreased feeling of fullness, insulin resistance and decreased performance. Identify dietary, environmental, and coping behaviors to improve sleep health. Learn how to improve your sleep or sign up for one of our available classes.

Social connections and relationships affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. Research shows that the single most important predictor of human happiness is having strong social connections. Health-related measures like blood pressure and heart rate improve even with short positive social interactions. Below are some tips that may help you create and keep important connections in your life. Get creative to stay connected with family and friends or see self-care online tips. Find community-based programs and services in your area Thrive Community Resources.

It is well known that tobacco use and drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of many chronic diseases. People who are ready can and do quit smoking; quitting and treatments often take time, different approaches, and many attempts. Giving yourself patience as well as getting support from others is an important part of reaching your goals. Learn more addiction and recovery or schedule a 1:1 appointment with one of our Telephonic Wellness Coaches for help with quitting tobacco.