Red light therapy has shown promising results in improving overall wellness and promoting a balanced lifestyle. By enhancing the gut-brain axis with this non-invasive and scientifically supported technique, people can optimise their health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by focusing on holistic wellness strategies.

An an oncology nurse practitioner who was obese I was fascinated by the link between obesity and increased cancer risk and wondered why this was the case. Turns out inflammation is at the root for almost all the chronic diseases that plague us. So working on lowering inflammation through eating less processed food and adding in what Dr Joel Fuhrman calls G-BOMBS (Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, Seeds &Nuts) is a good start, followed by managing stress, optimizing sleep, drinking water, getting in daily movement, decreasing toxin exposure, implementing sauna, practicing prayer or gratitude, improving gut health and shifting any negative self- talk to positives all seem to help. Our words and thoughts matter.

Preventing chronic diseases involves a multifaceted approach that combines genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. only a fraction of our genetic directly impacts our biology, By adhering to a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, managing stress, prioritizing sufficient sleep, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins, and considering genetic counseling and testing when appropriate, individuals can proactively reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. That's called #Lifespanning

Delayed gratification is foundational to good health, and health literacy and being informed on the long-term benefits of healthy behaviors is foundational to mastering that strategy. Engaging healthcare consumers about the long-term benefits of positive health behaviors can help with more informed choices. For example, understanding the long-term benefits of regular exercise for cardiovascular health helps motivate us to adopt a consistent exercise routine despite the allure of the comfy couch, a yummy snack, and our favorite streaming show.

Environmental exposures and social determinants of health are other important risk factors. Other tools to use are SOAP Health’s hereditary risk assessment.

I think most patients/people know the basics - salads are generally healthier than your typical fast food meal, exercise is healthier than sitting on the couch, etc. The challenge is creating conditions where more people can make those choices more often. Healthy food is often more expensive and less accessible than fast food, for example. Asking someone to summon motivation to exercise on top of their perhaps challenging work and family obligations is difficult. These are the practical aspects of creating change. I think there is promise in some wearable devices that can prompt better choices in the moment, and reinforce healthy decisions. But we have a long way to go.

Preventing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes involves educating patients on adopting healthy habits. Encouraging regular physical activity, promoting a balanced diet, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption are key components in this endeavor. Additionally, regular health screenings and check-ups can help in early detection and management of any potential risks. How you communicate these recommendations to patients can significantly impact their willingness to make positive changes.

Creo que se debe educar a los médicos en lo que significa hacer ejercicio físico… es fundamental hoy por hoy NO perder masa muscular y con solo indicar que camine NO alcanza. La sarcopenia es un mal que avanza con la edad y si no la enlentecemos. Los ejercicios de fuerza muscular son una parte fundamental de las características del ejercicio, además de agregar trabajos aeróbicos, de coordinación y flexibilidad… Ojalá podamos revertir esta tendencia de solo indicar caminatas…saludos.

Consistency is the key. Changing lifestyle habits needs to be followed consistently in order to bring improvements in the key metrics/ parameters. To build this consistent behaviour is the biggest challenge and hence building that level of complaince is most important. Educating patients about the significance of complaince is critical.

Education and Awareness: Provide information about the specific chronic diseases they are at risk for based on their family history, genetics, and lifestyle and explain the link between lifestyle choices and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

I have found that helping your patients set small goals and build on them is the best way to help them prevent chronic diseases. For example, if you have a prediabetic patient who enjoys drinking sodas, help them set a SMART goal to decrease the number of sodas they drink. Instead of drinking five sodas a day, they start by only having two sodas a day for a month. You should help your patients build on their goals during each visit or appointment. Add goals intermittently to their plan. It can be overwhelming for patients making lifestyle changes to focus on too many goals or cutting things cold turkey.

One goal should be focused at a time which has been clearly defined on S.M.A.R.T principles. One goal must be consistently followed for atleast 2 weeks for the patient to adapt to it as a 'normal' habit. I like to keept the 'start small but stay steady' approach.

Collaborate with the patient to set achievable goals for lifestyle changes. Goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound (SMART goals). Help them prioritize which lifestyle changes to focus on first.

We've all been there - starting out with great enthusiasm for change, only to see it wane over time. So, how can we maintain the focus and drive to improve our health? By embracing small changes that serve as stepping stones toward a transformative journey. Each step should be achievable and just a drop beyond our existing comfort zone. This builds momentum and allows for lasting transformation. Examples include: a daily walk, swapping out sugary snacks for healthier options, or dedicating a few minutes to mindfulness each day. All small changes that add up to significant improvements in our overall well-being. I also leverage Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to uncover emotional baggage that might be undermining our success. .

Offer regular follow-up appointments to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the plan. Use tools like trackers, apps, and journals to help patients monitor their progress.

I understand the pivotal role of technology in patient care. Wearable devices and diaries empower individuals to track their health metrics and stay accountable. However, the emotional and motivational support provided by a coach or a group cannot be replicated by any gadget. The human touch fosters a sense of connection, empathy, and understanding that is vital for patients as they navigate their health journeys. It's the encouragement from a coach or the camaraderie within a group that often becomes the driving force behind sustained behavior change and adherence to care plans.

The above mentions recommending community programs, which I assume includes social media, but I want to drive home how valuable support groups on social media can be when people may be stretched for time and may not be able to prioritize going out to community support meetings and events.

One thing I have found useful was to schedule follow-ups ahead of time. These scheduled check-ins offer a sense of hand-holding to the patient to continue and follow on with the discussed changes.

Your patients may also benefit from collecting a three generation family history and determining if they meet guidelines for genetic testing. If they do, identifying known monogenic cancer syndromes and taking preventive measures can save their lives.

Stress and trauma are known to play a significant role in chronic illness. Improving your interoceptive awareness (ability to notice what you are experiencing inside your body) and talking about your emotions are key ways to improve your emotional and physical well-being. Low interceptive ability is related to the presence of illness and pain. Building a practice of mindfulness can help manage stress more effectively. If you struggle, consider making use of technology such as RoshiWave , NeurOptimal and Safe and sound Protocol to calm your nervous system

Meet clients where they are at and get to the root of the cause. Empower change by finding out each individuals personal motivation and support them along their journey.