We all lead increasingly busy lives and while we may have some idea about what is and isn't healthy, it isn't always easy to put it into practice. We could all do with help from time to time to learn about the changes we can make in our everyday lives to be healthier and improve our wellbeing.
Lifestyle Medicine is about supporting people to make these changes and feel empowered to take control of their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Grounded in scientific evidence Lifestyle Medicine provides simple ideas and advice that can be easily built into people’s daily routines, helping to enhance the overall quality of their lives.
Whilst health and social care staff are focussed on caring for and improving the lives of others, our staff can sometimes put their own wellbeing on a backburner.
It was in response to this situation, that Fife Health Charity has provided funding to support staff across NHS Fife learn more about Lifestyle Medicine and the key role it can play in their own lives. It also helps staff to see how Lifestyle Medicine can be applied to support people in the wider community across Fife.
Dr Hannah Dakin, a member of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and a Fife GP with over 28 years’ experience, has played a central role in this work, and has established a dedicated Lifestyle Medicine staff group available to all healthcare professionals in NHS Fife. Staff are benefitting from resources which explore each of the six key areas in more detail, with practical advice and insights.
Thanks to the support of Fife Health Charity and our donors, this work around Lifestyle Medicine is helping staff to kick-start their own journey towards a healthier more balanced lifestyle which we know will benefit them, their families and the patients of NHS Fife.
I have seen firsthand how challenging it can be for individuals to prioritise their health and wellbeing amidst the demands of work and daily life. Lifestyle Medicine offers a practical approach to making simple, impactful lifestyle changes that enhance physical and mental wellbeing
With the support of Fife Health Charity we are empowering staff with the tools and knowledge to improve their own health and wellbeing, and look at how these principles can be used to benefit patients and communities across Fife.
