Medicine of the Future
“The doctors of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison
Our society has seen a dramatic culture change that began in the late 1800s and extended until the mid-1900s. Farmers were encouraged to diversify their crops, “country mice” became “city mice” (urbanization) and manufacturing developed the ability to refrigerate and mass produce processed foods. Sustenance food consumption was replaced by eating for enjoyment. Over the years, Americans have observed an unprecedented increase in the rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, heart disease, cancer and orthopedic joint replacements. Medical specialties focused on reflux and bariatrics were previously unknown. Our country’s health care expenditure dollars are skyrocketing. How can we regain control of our health and care crisis?
Although the solution may not be easy, many physicians and health care teams have begun to realize that it is time to “get grounded”. Philosophies are returning to fundamental principles of wellness which include nutrition and exercise. Lifestyle medicine is about lifestyle before medicine, or simply stated, “promoting wellness before a person becomes a patient.”
As a child, my grandfather always reminded me that someday I would be able to expound that my success was attributable to green beans. I hated vegetables. Over the years, I have continued the nutritional lessons and the lifestyle concepts learned during my childhood. Now, as a physician-focused in the management of cancer patients, I endorse the importance of wellness. Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for the development of cancer with 14-20% of all cancer deaths linked to obesity. Although there is no “superfood”, research supports a more holistic, plant-based dietary approach to wellness. Thankfully, we have more diverse vegetables, fruits, spices and preparations which prove far more appealing than boiled green beans.
This Spring, our UPMC campuses will be introducing CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) opportunities for our employees. Farmers’ Market options will also be available. With the scheduled purchase of fresh vegetables and/or fruits paired with healthy recipes, individuals and families can explore the nuances of a plant-based diet. The terms vegetarian and vegan have not been mentioned because we are encouraging a more holistic and balanced consumption of foods that are not processed. Plants provide antioxidants that reduce the risk of inflammation and cancer. Garlic, flaxseed, cinnamon and turmeric are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals. Increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, while decreasing the consumption of red meats, is a surefire means in which to take a step toward wellness.
The CSA program is paired with our campus initiative to get outside and “hit the trail.” Weight loss through nutrition and exercise treats the body and the soul. Fresh air and sunshine are good for whatever ails us. And, COVID has certainly promoted outdoor activities such as walking with a friend.
I am excited for our future. The culture of medicine is changing. Communities will soon be reborn. Philosophies of wellness are transforming. Remember, “we are what we eat.” Let us work together, lead by example and ‘Root for Health’.
Sincerely,
KimberLee Mudge, MD, FACS