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Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine

Despite spending more than double on health care per citizen than most industrialized nations, the U.S. nears the bottom of the top 40 nations in health system rankings. Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine can change that.

What Is Lifestyle Medicine?

According to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine: Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.  Lifestyle medicine-certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions.

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The six pillars of lifestyle medicine include:

  • a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern
  • physical activity
  • restorative sleep
  • stress management
  • avoidance of risky substances
  • positive social connections

Why People Choose Lifestyle Medicine Treatment

Lifestyle medicine can address up to 80% of chronic diseases. A lifestyle medicine approach to population care has the potential to arrest the decades-long rise in the prevalence of chronic conditions and their burdensome costs. Patient and provider satisfaction often results from a lifestyle medicine approach, which strongly aligns the field with the Quintuple Aim of better health outcomes, lower cost, improved patient satisfaction, improved provider well-being, and advancement of health equity, in addition to its alignment with planetary health. Lifestyle medicine is the foundation for a redesigned, value-based and equitable healthcare delivery system, leading to whole person health.

What Is Integrative Health/Medicine?

According to the Academic Consortium of Integrative Medicine and Health, Integrative medicine and health reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

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We define Integrative Health as a whole-person approach that combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies that focus on healthy lifestyle addressing stress, nutrition, movement, sleep, and environment to reduce suffering and enhance overall wellness.

Why People Choose Integrative Health Treatment

People today want to take responsibility for their well-being by addressing the effects of lifestyle, emotions, and social interactions on health. People with certain health conditions can greatly benefit from an integrative approach to care. Some of these conditions include:

  • Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease
  • Cancer treatment related side effects
  • Fibromyalgia & chronic pain
  • Menopause symptoms
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Preparation for elective surgery or recovery post-surgery

Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine at the Osher Center

Develop a Personalized Self-Care Plan with a Lifestyle Medicine Consultation

doctor and patient in exam room

Our goal is to work with you to create a personalized self-care plan that you can implement and sustain with your lifestyle. At your lifestyle medicine consultation, you will initially meet with your physician or nurse practitioner for one hour. They will learn about your personal, medical and family history; your dietary, exercise and sleep habits; your sources of stress and coping mechanisms, and then will assess your health concerns and evaluate your symptoms, order any necessary tests and create mutually agreed upon lifestyle prescriptions.

To schedule a consultation, call 513-475-9567.

View Clinical Care at UC Health

Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine Providers

Angela C. Lai, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM) | Acupuncturist
Angela Johnson, LMT | Massage Therapist
Barbara Walker, PhD | Clinical Director, Parks for Wellness, Integrative Health Psychologist, Mindfulness Instructor
Betsy Nuseibeh, MM, MeD, MT-BC | Music Therapist
David Whitten, LMT | Massage Therapist
Derek Johnson, L.Ac, MSOM, DMQ, Dipl. Ac | Acupuncturist, Tai Chi Instructor
Gigi Pereira, L.Ac, M.Ac | Acupuncturist
Jennifer Woods, RD | Tai Chi Instructor
Jinda Bowerman, DNP | Co-Director, Centering Group Medical Visits
Josephine Caruso, C-IAYT, MA Yoga Studies, E-RYT Oncology Yoga Therapists | Yoga Therapist
Liz Novak, MT-BC | Music Therapist
Meena Ananth, RN, C-IAYT | Yoga Therapist, Mindfulness Meditation Teacher
Mladen Golubic, MD, PhD | Medical Director
Pamela Sharpe, MSN, FNP-BC | Nurse Practitioner
Polly Collins, RN, LMT | Massage Therapist
Roseanna Poggioli, LMT | Massage Therapist
Shannon McKnight, MS, LMT, BCTMB | Massage Therapist
Sonya Verma, MHSA, MBI, E-RYT 500 | Yoga Facilitator, Sound Therapist
Stephanie Michalak White, EdD | Chef
Sybil York, Lac, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM) | Acupuncturist
Tiffiny Diers, MD | Co-Director, Centering Group Medical Visits
Tina Walter, C-IAYT | Yoga Therapist

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Contact Us

Osher Center for Integrative
Health

Medical Sciences Building Suite 4358
231 Albert Sabin Way
PO Box 670582 
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0582

Mail Location: 0582
Phone: 513-558-2310
Fax: 513-558-3266
Email: osher.integrative@uc.edu