Great article. Dr. McDonald, going against his infamous name, writes about the bottom line in Integrative Medicine. I hope your doctor agrees.
Medscape Blogs. June 30, 2021. Alex McDonald, MD
“When I meet a new patient, I often take a moment to get to know them, and I tell them about myself and my personal and professional philosophy and guiding principles as their new family physician. As part of this initial visit, I always tell them, “I have a medical secret. It might not quite be a fountain of youth, but it will do more for you than any pill or medical procedure ever could.”
Patients often give me an inquisitive (or maybe skeptical) look as if I’m about to sell them some crazy pyramid scheme. Or maybe they think I must be getting a kickback from a company that produces some amazing new treatment. I allow the suspense to build for a moment, and then I say, “Lifestyle medicine — a healthy, plant-based diet; 30 minutes a day of physical activity; daily stress reduction; and 8 hours sleep each night — will do more for you than any medication or treatment in the world.”
