Lifestyle Medicine Program: A Holistic Approach to Health at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

4 min read

NYC Health + Hospitals has announced the expansion of its Lifestyle Medicine Program to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County in Brooklyn, as part of a citywide initiative to provide patients with the tools and resources needed to make healthy lifestyle changes. The program, already available at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, aims to support adults living with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or health concerns related to excess weight.

The Lifestyle Medicine Program places a strong emphasis on evidence-based lifestyle changes, offering guidance on a healthful plant-based diet, increased physical activity, improved sleep habits, stress reduction, avoidance of substance use, and stronger social connections. Patients enrolled in the program have access to a multi-disciplinary care team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives (Woodhull only), a dietitian, a health coach, community health workers, a psychologist, a program coordinator, and an exercise trainer.

The program has already seen success at its pilot site, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, with hundreds of patients benefitting from the comprehensive approach to lifestyle changes. And the expansion to Kings County Hospital is a testament to NYC Health + Hospitals’ commitment to providing holistic wellness solutions for the community.

Patients enrolled in the Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County will have access to a range of resources, including one-on-one counseling sessions, group classes, exercise classes, monthly deliveries of fresh produce, Health Bucks for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables, culinary skills videos, plant-based cookbooks, and support accessing benefits such as SNAP.

The launch of the Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County has been met with enthusiasm from patients. Timothy Nicholls, a program participant, expressed his gratitude for the guidance on making better choices about his eating habits. He shared his experience of learning to incorporate more greens, celery, and fruit into his diet, as well as increasing his exercise and walking.

Another patient, Paulette James, highlighted the personalized approach of the program, emphasizing the care and attention given to understanding each individual’s lifestyle, activities, and dietary habits. Patients like Nicholls and James are testament to the positive impact the Lifestyle Medicine Program is having on the community.

As the program expands to additional sites, including NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Lincoln, and Gotham Health, the goal is to accommodate nearly 4,000 patients per year. With the support of the City of New York, NYC Health + Hospitals is committing significant funding to ensure the success and sustainability of the Lifestyle Medicine Program.

It’s clear that the expansion of the Lifestyle Medicine Program is a significant step towards empowering New Yorkers to lead healthier lives. By addressing the root causes of chronic conditions and providing comprehensive support and resources, NYC Health + Hospitals is making a significant impact on the health and wellness of the community.

For more information about NYC Health + Hospitals and its initiatives, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org or follow them on social media.

To learn more about the Lifestyle Medicine Program or to enroll, individuals can contact 347-507-3695.

For media inquiries, please contact the press office at 212-788-3339 or [email protected].

About NYC Health + Hospitals:
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation, serving over a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. With a diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees, the organization is dedicated to empowering New Yorkers to live the healthiest life possible.

As the Lifestyle Medicine Program continues to expand, it’s clear that NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to providing the community with the resources and support needed to make positive, sustainable lifestyle changes.

Let’s spread the word about this exciting initiative and help more New Yorkers take control of their health and well-being.

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