Lifestyle Medicine

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat and reverse chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The Lifestyle Medicine clinic is located inside Bluestem Clinic.

The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

Doug Gruenbacher, MD, head of the Lifestyle Medicine department, partners with patients to build lasting habits across six core areas:

• Optimal nutrition: Eating whole, plant-predominant foods rich in fiber, vitamins and nutrients.
• Physical activity: Adding regular movement and exercise, such as 30 minutes most days.
• Restorative sleep: Practicing good sleep hygiene and aiming for adequate rest.
• Stress management: Using healthy coping strategies to reduce chronic mental strain.
• Connectedness: Cultivating positive social bonds and strong relationships.
• Risky substance avoidance: Limiting alcohol, quitting tobacco and avoiding dangerous substances.