MEDICINE
Lifstyle
A lifestyle approach to medicine focuses on behaviors and habits within a patient's control. Elements of one's lifestyle, including diet, physical exercise, sleep hygiene, substance use, stress management, and relationships, are major factors in preventing chronic diseases. Common diseases and conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancers can be prevented by making long-term, sustainable changes to one's lifestyle. Research has shown that these diseases can also be reversed with lifestyle modifications—enabling patients to stop or reduce medication and leading to overall savings in healthcare costs.
what
IS LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?
lifestyle
A HOLISTIC, LIFESTYLE-BASED APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE
Dr. Skattum takes a holistic approach to healthcare and medicine. She focuses on the whole person—their habits, relationships, sleep patterns, diet, and exercise routines—to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Dr. Skattum's lifestyle medicine services in Sioux Falls allow you to take control of your health and look forward to a future of wellness.
what
ARE THE BENEFITS OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?
Dr. Skattum's lifestyle medicine approach allows her to truly get to know each of her patients; their habits, routines, relationships, stress levels, and concerns. This full picture allows her to get to the root cause of health issues, treating both symptoms and source. If you're interested in taking charge of your health and wellness, contact us about our lifestyle medicine at Britt Haus in Sioux Falls.
what
TYPES OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP IMPROVE MY HEALTH?
Whole-food, plant-based nutrition
Dr. Skattum works with patients one-on-one to provide nutritional education with an emphasis on real ingredients and plant-based meals. Years of scientific evidence have shown that diets that are well-proportioned and rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent health issues and even reverse the negative effects of chronic illness.
Physical activity
Regular physical activity and exercise can help prevent health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and other complications that stem from a sedentary lifestyle. Consistent exercise can also help improve mood and reduce stress, aiding in mental and physical health. Dr. Skattum assists her patients by helping them to find or create an exercise plan that's enjoyable and sustainable. Offers Membership upgrade access to Certified Personal Trainer. For $137/month after membership. 3 month commitment.
Stress management
Chronic stress is linked to both physical and mental health issues. An important part of caring for your overall health includes finding and engaging in stress management techniques, including exercise, meditation, breathing techniques, and healthy coping mechanisms.
The use of risky substances
Tobacco and excessive alcohol use can lead to severe health issues and complications. Although many patients understand the risks of these substances, curbing usage can be difficult. Dr. Skattum will support you in the process of cutting down or quitting the use of substances that are negatively impacting your health.
Sleep hygiene
Sleep difficulties often arise due to chronic stress, unhealthy habits, and issues with time management. Poor sleep hygiene has a number of negative impacts on overall health, including the risk for anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, insulin resistance, decreased productivity, and sociability.
Social connection
The strength of our relationships with others and our ability to feel connected to our community significantly impacts our quality of life. Positive relationships help to reduce stress, bolster self-esteem, and offer support during stressful or difficult times. As part of a whole-person approach, Dr. Skattum keeps her patients' social and personal connections at the forefront while walking alongside them in their journey to wellness.