Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine
At Appalachian Regional Healthcare, we believe healthcare should do more than treat symptoms—it should help you feel your best, live longer, and enjoy life more fully. That’s why we’re proud to offer Lifestyle Medicine: a personal, whole-health approach that helps you build lasting habits for a healthier life.
We know that in Appalachia, people take care of each other—and we’re here to take care of you. Your daily habits—what you eat, how you move, how well you sleep, how you manage stress, and how you connect with others—have a powerful impact on your health and happiness.
Our team is here to walk beside you, helping you set goals and make changes at a pace that works for you. Whether you’re ready to take one small step or make a big shift, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine is a medical specialty that uses evidence-based changes in daily habits to prevent, treat, and sometimes even reverse chronic conditions. These changes focus on six key areas of everyday life:
- Whole Food, healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Restorative sleep
- Stress management
- Avoid risky substances
- Positive social connections
We work with you to focus on what matters most to your health. Together, we’ll create a realistic plan that supports your lifestyle—not works against it.
Why choose Lifestyle Medicine at ARH?
People often ask, “Can’t I just make these changes on my own?”
Absolutely—but it’s not always easy. That’s where we come in.
Our Lifestyle Medicine providers are trained to help you set meaningful goals, stay motivated, and build confidence. We won’t overwhelm you with a long list—instead, we’ll help you make small, practical changes that fit your life and bring real results.
You don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here to support you with the same trust and care our communities have counted on for decades.
Benefits of Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle Medicine can help improve or manage many chronic health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- And more
We know it’s not always about knowing what to do—but figuring out how to do it. That’s why we provide clear tools, encouragement, and guidance to help you take those next steps. Whether it’s healthy eating, better sleep, or finding a moment of calm in your day, we’re here to help.
As the region’s leading healthcare system, ARH is proud to offer an innovative approach to care that helps people live better—not just treat illness.
What to Expect
Lifestyle Medicine visits are designed to support—not replace—your regular care. You might be referred by your primary care provider or a specialist, but a referral isn’t required. Either way, we work closely with your current care team to help you reach your goals.
Getting started is simple:
- First Visit: You’ll meet with your provider and fill out a short form to help us understand your needs and goals.
- Your Plan: Together, we’ll build a wellness plan that focuses on the areas of your life that matter most to you.
-
Follow-Up Support: We’ll check in regularly—whether in person, by phone, or through telehealth—so you stay on track.
Yes, we accept insurance. Visits are billed like other specialty services at ARH.
We’ll meet you where you are—and walk beside you every step of the way.
The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
Whole Food, Healthy Diet
Eating better doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to guide you step by step in making smarter food choices. Our team can help you build a sustainable eating plan that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods—like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and plant-based options—tailored to your preferences and health needs.
How we help:
We’ll work with you to set realistic goals, provide meal ideas, and help you overcome barriers like budget, time, or picky eating. Whether you need recipes, grocery tips, or label-reading guidance—we’re here to support your success.
You’ll also have access to a registered dietician who can provide personalized advice, help with medical nutrition needs, and offer expert support on your journey to better health.
Regular Physical Activity
Movement is medicine, and we’ll help you find ways to incorporate it into your daily life—no gym membership required. Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.
How we help:
We’ll help you track progress, set achievable targets (like 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week), and suggest easy ways to build strength and flexibility. We’ll also coach you on how to stay motivated and make exercise enjoyable—not a chore.
Stress Management
Managing stress is vital to your health—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re dealing with work, family, or personal challenges, we’ll help you build a toolbox of techniques to handle stress in healthy, productive ways.
How we help:
We offer one-on-one coaching, mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and resources tailored to your needs. We’ll help you identify stress triggers and develop personalized coping strategies that actually work in your everyday life.
If you feel like you need additional support, we can also connect you with our team of licensed mental health professionals who are here to help you work through deeper emotional challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Positive Social Connections
You weren’t meant to do this alone. Social support is one of the most powerful tools for staying healthy, motivated, and mentally strong. We’ll help you build or strengthen a network that keeps you encouraged and connected.
How we help:
We’ll connect you with community groups, support circles, or wellness programs where you can share your journey. Whether you’re looking for accountability or just someone to talk to—we’ll help you find your tribe.
And if you’re feeling isolated or need more personalized support, we can also connect you with our mental health professionals, who are available to guide you through emotional or social challenges with expert care.
Restorative Sleep
Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital part of your health. Getting enough quality rest affects every aspect of your life: your mood, memory, focus, immune system, heart health, weight, and even how well you manage stress.
Poor sleep habits can throw everything off. When you’re not sleeping well, it can feel harder to eat healthy, stay active, manage emotions, or stay motivated. But the good news? Small, consistent changes in your sleep routine can lead to big improvements in your overall health.
How we help:
We’ll work with you to identify what might be interfering with your sleep—whether it’s stress, screen time, inconsistent routines, or other habits. From there, we’ll guide you through small, realistic changes to help you fall asleep easier, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling more rested.
Whether you need help winding down at night, resetting your sleep schedule, or exploring deeper issues, we’re here to support you every step of the way—so you can get the rest your body and mind truly need.
Avoid Risky Substances
We’re not here to tell you never to enjoy a glass of wine at dinner or have a drink with friends. What we are here for is to support you in developing a healthy—not harmful—relationship with substances like alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
How we help:
If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, we can help you make a plan and give you the tools and support you need to succeed. From nicotine replacement options to coaching and accountability, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
We also take time to educate you on the risks associated with substance use—whether it’s smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or other risky behaviors—so you can make informed decisions for your health.
Our goal is never to judge, but to support. Whether you’re ready to quit, want to cut back, or simply want to ensure your relationship with substances remains healthy and balanced, we’re here to help.