Lifestyle Medicine - Food Policy

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Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine is the use of healthy lifestyle habits to prevent and treat common chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. New York City recognizes that a plant-based approach is effective in addressing chronic disease. At the 91st Annual United Conference of Mayors, NYC signed on to the Resolution that A Plant-Based Approach has Promise to Address Chronic Disease, Environmental, and Fiscal Burdens Facing Cities Across the Nation.

The continued expansion of NYC Health+Hospitals' lifestyle medicine program is a commitment in the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. Additionally, our lifestyle medicine program is a recognized case study by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.

Click here to access the Nutrition Resource Library for Physicians.

Lifestyle Medicine is simple and powerful therapy:

Nutrition: Choose whole plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Sleep: For adults, 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per day is vital for physical and mental health.

Physical activity: Regular and consistent exercise is essential for optimal health.

Stress management: Enhance stress reduction techniques for improved wellbeing.

Substance use: Avoid tobacco, excess alcohol, and other risky substance use.

Healthy relationships: Social connectedness is essential for emotional health and higher quality of life.

Locations and Availability

For more information on the Lifestyle Medicine Programs at NYC Health+Hospitals, click here for the program brochure and here for the program website.

Call 347-507-3695 for appointments. Program sites currently include:

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Vanderbilt

Frequently Asked Questions About the NYC Health + Hospitals Lifestyle Medicine Programs

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What is plant-based eating?

Plant-based eating means eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, peas, nuts, and seeds and reducing or avoiding animal foods, sweets, and highly processed foods. Plant-based eating has many health benefits: can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar; reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers; can help with weight loss; decreases inflammation in the body; and may reduce the need for medications.

Do I have to eat plant-based to join this program?

To join this program, you should be interested in eating more plant based. But we welcome you even if you are not ready to go 100%.

What is the time commitment to participate in this program?

You should be prepared to participate at least once a week over a 6-month period. Keeping in regular contact with our team will help you be more successful in making lifestyle changes.

Do you accept insurance?

NYC Health + Hospitals accepts many insurance plans. Some program services might not not be covered by your plan; there may be copayments or out-of-pocket costs depending on your plan. Our finance team is available to discuss your individual situation.

Can this program help me reduce my medications?

Our primary goal is to help you get healthier, lower your risk of disease complications, and improve your overall well-being. Our doctors will review your medications and recommend adjustments as needed. We will focus on helping you adopt the healthiest possible lifestyle.