Healthy lifestyle interventions in general practice: Part 1: An introduction to lifestyle and diseases of lifestyle

  • E W Derman University of Cape Town
  • D N Patel Vitality Wellness
  • C J Nossel Vitality Wellness
  • M P Schwellnus University of Cape Town

Abstract

Poor lifestyle choices including physical inactivity, adverse nutrition and tobacco use are strongly associated with heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and cancer. These four diseases are responsible for over 50% of mortality worldwide. Yet lifestyle intervention is underemphasised in the undergraduate training of doctors and other health professionals. This article reviews the lifestyle factors related to chronic non-communicable disease and suggests small but meaningful interventions for general practitioners to incorporate into daily practice. The upcoming series to be published in Family Practice regarding “lifestyle modification in chronic disease states” is introduced.

Author Biographies

E W Derman, University of Cape Town
MBChB, PhD (Sports and Exercise Medicine), FACSM, FFIMS Associate Professor Sports Medicine and Exercise Science MRC/UCT Research Unit for Sports Science and Sports Medicine
D N Patel, Vitality Wellness
MBBCh, MMed(Paeds) Clinical Specialist Vitality Wellness
C J Nossel, Vitality Wellness
MBBCh, MBA Head Vitality Wellness
M P Schwellnus, University of Cape Town
MBBCh, MSc(Med) Sports Science, MD, FACSM, FFIMS Professor Sports Medicine and Exercise Science MRC/UCT Research Unit for Sports Science and Sports Medicine
Published
2008-08-06
Issue
Vol 50, No 4 - July/August 2008
Section
CPD
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