Not a "Fad," but an Actual Medical Specialty!

Gretchen graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, The University of Scranton, and received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Temple University.   

Gretchen has been teaching for over 25 years at Rutgers University, Keystone College, Lackawanna College, The University of Scranton, and Marywood University. She has earned certifications in Pilates, yoga, barre and teaches all three locally.  She has a Wellness and Lifestyle coaching certification from Harvard University.

Gretchen resides in Scranton with her husband, Timothy Welby, MD, and has three daughters – Casey, Kate, and Caroline.  

Lifestyle Medicine, is not just a fad or buzzword that is overused in a plethora of health, fitness and wellness magazines, but is actually a medical specialty. It is the practice of using diet and exercise, along with other lifestyle modifications to prevent and manage disease. Lifestyle Medicine focuses on six pillars: healthy eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and avoidance of risky substances.

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine was established in 2004. Since then, its membership and outreach have grown exponentially. Lifestyle medicine is currently the fastest-growing specialty in medicine. Its primary aim is to utilize evidence-based therapeutic lifestyle interventions to prevent/control chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and obesity. However, new data is emerging which expands the role of Lifestyle Medicine into many other areas, including chronic low back pain, sleep, hormonal disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, chronic inflammatory conditions, and mental health, to name a few. 

Lifestyle Medicine differs from conventional medicine in that its approach is not disease specific.  Following the six pillars of Lifestyle medicine improves overall health. Conventional medicine targets and treats a specific disease process with medication or surgical intervention in a reactionary approach.  Lifestyle medicine prevents or reverses the disease process through behavioral and dietary changes. In a perfect world, Lifestyle medicine and Conventional medicine can be combined to achieve the best results for some patients.

A JAMA study, published in 1993, linked unhealthy lifestyles with premature death. Since this study was published, the rates of cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes have continued to climb.  Obesity rates are at an epidemic level. 70% of American adults, and 22% of children fall into overweight/obese Body Mass Index (BMI) categories. According to the American Academy of Cardiology, only 6.8% of adult Americans meet the criteria for ideal cardiometabolic health, something the Academy calls a “Population Level Code Blue.”

In 2020, the American Heart Association issued a Presidential Advisory for 2030 Impact Goals. The overall goal is to improve morbidity and mortality through preventative measures.  Interventions should be targeted earlier in childhood and young adulthood, where healthy habits can be formed with greater success and maximum outcomes. For example, physical activity is well established for its positive effects on cardiovascular health.  Physical activity prevents clot and plaque build-up, is antiarrhythmic, and provides hemodynamic stability.  Physical activity has also been shown to have psychological, emotional, and social benefits.  The American Heart Association categorizes physical activity as a Level 1 (highest) intervention for primary prevention. 

Lifestyle Medicine is rooted in evidence-based findings, and its efficacy is supported in scientific literature. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002 examined the prevention of the onset of Type II Diabetes in prediabetic patients.  Patients were divided into three groups: a placebo group, a metformin group (a type 2 diabetes medication), and a lifestyle intervention group.  The metformin group received daily metformin (medication intervention).  The lifestyle intervention group received education and prescriptive interventions/instructions on diet, exercise, and stress reduction.  Patients were followed for three years.  At the end of the study period, the metformin group saw a 31% incidence reduction of type II diabetes, and the lifestyle intervention group saw a 58% incidence reduction in type II diabetes (almost double that of the medication group). 

Many examples abound, highlighting the ability of lifestyle medicine interventions for healthy outcomes. The advantages of lifestyle medicine over conventional medicine interventions are numerous.  Medications come with side effects. Medication costs are rising and are often not fully covered by insurance programs. Often, current medications are not completely effective for treating disease.  For example, Alzheimer’s Disease treatments are lacking.  The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference emphasizes healthy lifestyle interventions.  They stress adopting 4 or 5 healthy lifestyle factors to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia by 60%.

Healthy eating habits do not lead to serious side effects.   Lifestyle interventions are within the patients’ control and may result in cost savings, potentially lowering food and medical bills. Because lifestyle intervention involves behavioral changes, the process requires time and effort, as well as investment in education and reinforcement to sustain healthy patterns.  Motivating clients to make necessary changes and stick with those changes can be the biggest challenge. A Lifestyle/Wellness Coach may be employed to start the client on their journey.  The coach works with the client to make choices that are adaptable to the client while fitting within the six pillars. The role of the coach is to hold space and provide guidance for the client, but not to “fix”, “rescue,” or “judge”. Coaching sessions last 30-60 minutes. Coaches and clients may meet 10 times over 3-12 months to establish patterns. 

If you, like so many others, have not achieved your health and wellness goals using traditional methods, it may be worth considering Lifestyle Medicine.  Focus on healthy eating (minimizing processed foods and sugar intake), physical activity (minimum 300 minutes per week), restorative sleep (between 7-9 hours per night), stress management (controlling anxiety and depression), positive social connections (consistent interactions with friends) and avoidance of risky substances (alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, illicit drugs) have evidence-based positive outcomes to prevent, manage and reverse chronic diseases. 

Sources: More information about the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and specific intervention outcomes can be found @Balanced Living 570 on Facebook and Instagram! 

• Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine and its Evolution - PMC 
• Implications of lifestyle medicine in medical practice - PMC 
• Lifestyle Medicine: An Antidote to Cardiovascular Diseases - PMC 
• Lifestyle Medicine Prescriptions - PMC 
• Lifestyle Medicine: A Critical Key to Restoring Health - PMC 
• McGinnis J.M., Foege W.H. Actual causes of death in the United States. JAMA. 1993;270(18):2207–2212 
• Knowler W.C., Barrett-Connor E., Fowler S.E., et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. N Engl J Med.2002;346(6):393–403 
• American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.  

   

EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog

EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!

Here are 10 most common exercise myths!

1. No Pain, No Gain.
   • FALSE – Why pain is different than discomfort…
     • Muscle soreness and “feeling the burn” can occur during a normal healthy exercise routine. However, you should never experience sharp, deep, intense, or lingering pain during or after exercise. In fact, if the soreness lasts more than 24-48 hours, then you did more damage than benefit to your muscles and other tissues and it is time to scale back and take time off. If necessary, use RICE (rest, ice compression and elevation). It is important to get in tune with your body and learn the difference between muscle strain and fatigue, discomfort and pain from soft tissue damage from overuse and overload. Find the proper amount of weight and repetitions and gradually increase over time.
2. Always Stretch Before You Exercise.
   • FALSE – This is not always the best advice
     • There is no solid evidence that stretching alone before a sport or activity prevents injury. In fact, over stretching may be counterproductive before a sport as it may weaken the muscle. The current wisdom on the matter is; never stretch a cold muscle. Instead, warm up for 5-10 minutes by actively moving the extremities and light jogging or biking and THEN lightly stretch the arms, legs, back etc. More vigorous stretching should be performed to improve the flexibility of tight muscles (ie calf and hamstring muscles) and best done after your workout but not before a sporting activity (tennis, basketball, etc.).
3. Lifting Weights Will Make You Bulky.
   • FALSE – Depends on your hormones
     • It is very unlikely that women and prepubescent males will bulk up from lifting weights…especially light weights (blame or thank hormones). It will, however, increase metabolism and fat burning efficiency which can lead to weight loss and good muscle tone. Stick with low resistance and high repetitions for best results.
4. With the Correct Program, Spot Reduction Can be Achieved
   • FALSE – It is not possible to target an area of the body to burn more fat
     • It is very common for women to ask for a specific exercise to reduce the fat in their buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. Regretfully, it is not possible to target weight loss in these areas or other body parts. In fact, when you lose weight through diet and exercise, the caloric expenditure will be evenly distributed throughout the body. However, once the adipose tissue in a specific part of the body such as the abdomen is reduced from general weight loss, targeting the area with exercises specific to that muscle group will improve the tone and definition for a leaner look in that region.
5. If you don’t have 45-60 Minutes to Exercise, Don’t Bother.
   • FALSE – The research on this topic does not support it
     • Sure, it would be great to dedicate 60 minutes 5 -6 days a week for exercise. But for most of us who work and raise a family it is not practical. The good news is that the research supports 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week. Moreover, evidence shows that 10 minutes, three times a day, 5 days per week will help you attain the 150 minutes a week supported in most exercise studies.
6. If you have Arthritis, Exercise will make it worse.
   • FALSE – There is no evidence to support this…but it supports the opposite.
     • Most people with the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, feel better when they are moving. That is not to say that they don’t have increased symptoms when they OVERDO it. An exercise program specifically designed for a person’s problems and limitations will improve their symptoms and function. For example, if an individual has arthritis in their knees, they should use an exercise bike (partial weight bearing) or swim (buoyancy effect of water) instead of walking or running (full weight bearing) for aerobic exercise. Furthermore, they would do far better with light cuff weights in a sitting or lying position to strengthen their legs than performing squats or lunges. It is important to remember, the weight gain and joint weakness and stiffness associated with a sedentary lifestyle will do more harm to an arthritic joint than a proper exercise program.
7. You Need a Sports Drink When you Exercise
   • FALSE – Not unless you are planning a killer workout
     • The number one reason most of us exercise is to lose or control body weight. High calorie sports drinks are counterproductive and unnecessary. If you do not plan on exercising for more than 60 minutes, good old fashion H2O is more than adequate. However, if you plan to do a “killer” workout for more than 60 minutes and may incorporate a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program, than a sports drink with electrolytes and other nutrients, may be of value.  
8. Exercise Machines are Better than Free Weights
   • FALSE – For most of us, effective resistance training is not about the equipment
     • It is safe to say, caveman was pretty fit and strong despite the fact that he never went to a gym and lifted weights. He did however, lift, push, pull, and carry heavy stones, timber, and animals for day-to-day survival. So too, it is for modern man, the body does not distinguish between the resistance provided by a elastic band, dumbbell, or cable with pulleys and weight stacks. As long as the basic principles of strength training are applied, (isolating a muscle or muscle group, loading the muscle with enough force to bring it to fatigue without causing tissue damage, and allowing for adequate rest and recovery) than the muscle will gain strength regardless of the type of resistance.
9. Running is Better Than any other Form of Aerobic Exercise
   • FALSE – Don’t tell that to competitive swimmers
     • First, let me confess that I love to run and up until recently, I ran almost daily. However, now that I am over 60, I had to find new forms of aerobic exercise which would be kinder and gentler to my joints. So, I mix it up between biking (indoors and outdoors, recumbent and upright), brisk walking or hiking, elliptical and stepper and swimming laps. Again, like the caveman weightlifting example, the body (heart and lungs) does not know what is causing an increase in heart rate for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, it only knows that it must respond to allow the body to function under this stress. And, in the process it becomes conditioned to the point that it will work much more efficiently when not under stress with a lower heart and respiratory rate and blood pressure at rest.
     • Those over 50 would be well-advised to engage in low-impact aerobics on a regular basis. For example, if you want to run two to three days per week, do not run two days in a row and consider performing low impact exercise in between. Some examples of low impact aerobics are walking, treadmill walking, swimming, elliptical trainer, and an exercise or road bike.
10. If You Never Stop Exercising than you won’t have to adjust your exercise program as you age.
    • FALSE - Why Change is Necessary with Age…
      • For many years, I have repeatedly preached about the value of engaging in an active lifestyle throughout life. It is especially important to be active as one gets older to maintain mobility and independence. However, many take this advice to an extreme and refuse to accept the inevitable changes that occur in the body with age. They run, jump, lift and throw like a teenager and often fail to modify their activity or exercise regimen appropriately for their age.
      • Consequently, they suffer from multiple injuries, including muscle tears, tendonitis, bursitis, impingement, and advanced osteoarthritis. Keep in mind, everyone ages differently. One person at 60 years of age may be the equivalent of another at 50. However, change with age is inevitable, so be kind to your body…it’s the only one you have! It is always prudent to consult your physician and physical therapist for a program designed specifically for your needs.

EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog

EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!

Weeks into the New Year…Are You Holding on to Your Resolutions?!

I am sure that many of you feel as I do…it is hard to believe that I am living in the year 2025! Moreover, I hope you share my sentiments that each year, despite the trials and challenges of each month, week, day, and minute, is a gift, not to be taken for granted and 2025 is no different. And that is why we resolve at this time each year to make a concerted effort to improve ourselves; mentally, physically and spiritually, so that we may live a longer and healthier life, to spend more time with the friends and family we love.  

Not surprisingly, getting physically fit and losing weight are the top resolutions to begin each New Year, even 2025. According to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 10 million Americans choose to join one of the 45,000 health clubs and hope to get fit and healthy for life. Unfortunately, if starting an exercise program is the hard part, than sticking to it is the hardest part.

Once the initial excitement and enthusiasm wears off after the 2025 new year, so does the discipline and determination necessary to overcome the many distractions in our lives to make exercise a priority for life. Diane Klein, PhD polled long-term exercisers (those exercising at least 3 times per week for more than 13 years) what motivated them to “stick with the program.” The answers are in order of importance. Please note that “appearance” was NOT at the top of the list.

10 Motivators to Stick to an Exercise Program in 2025:

• Fitness
• Feelings of well-being
• Pep and energy
• Enjoyment of the exercise
• Making exercise a priority
• Sleeping better
• Feeling alert
• Being relaxed
• Weight management
• Appearance

Tips to Stick to an Exercise Program:

1. Add variety to your program – stick to your basic program to meet your goals but add variety to stick to your program. On off days walk in the woods, snowshoe, play tennis or pickleball, ride a bike, and swim. One day do upper body and the next lower body.
2. Find an exercise buddy – no one wants to let their buddy down so the likelihood of compliance is much greater when you have someone depending on you. Make sure it is a good match…someone with positive energy!
3. Make exercise a priority – friends and family must understand that this is important to you. It is a non-negotiable part of your day, like taking a vitamin or brushing your teeth.
4. Exercise first thing in the morning – For many people it is best to exercise before all the demands of the day come into play
5. Exercise on the way home from work – For others, it is best to exercise after they fulfill their other obligations but before they get home, eat and settle in. Some days it will vary.
6. Exercise even when you are tired – keep in mind that you will be energized after you exercise.
7. Keep a log of your exercise – writing down the dates, times, speed, distance, reps and sets can help you monitor your progress.
8. Look for signs of progress – the scale is only one sign of progress. Make note of how your clothes fit, how much energy you have, the pep in your step and the improvement in your exercise log.
9. Walk – incorporate walking into your daily routine. Walk to the store, walk the dog, walk when you play golf and take the stairs.
10. Reward yourself – this is an individual preference but try to avoid a food overdose. For example, buy a new dress when you lose 10 pounds, go awayfor the weekend for the next 10 pounds. Do whatever works for you.
11. Monitor Progress – Use Technology – Fitness Apps, Smart Watches, Electronic Fitness Monitors or Wearable Tech Monitor provide feedback and motivation.These devices use GPS technology to help the user track their activity to get more out of their exercise routines. They monitor activity, heart rate, distance, location, calories, and more. Some examples are: Pedometers , Activity Trackers, Running Watches, and Heart Rate Monitors
12. Personal Trainer Gift Certificate or Home Virtual Trainers - This can be an opportunity for someone to either get the proper advice from a professional (in person or virtually) to begin a fitness program or to revamp and tune up an old stale program. Word of mouth is a good way to find a reputable certified trainer. Virtual Examples are: Peloton – (bike, treadmill); Mirror Exercise and FightCamp

Source: WebMD, Mayo Clinic

     Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.     

     Keep moving, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and live long and well!

EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog

EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!

Recently, two patients asked me when I thought it would be safe for them to return to their exercise programs after abdominal surgery. She stated that she was not sure how to properly and safely implement or return to her program.

This column will attempt to ensure a safe return to activity and exercise following general surgery such as gall bladder, appendix, hernia, etc. The post-operative patient has many questions: When is it safe to begin an exercise program? How do I begin? What is the best exercise? Which exercises are best? How do I know if the activity is too intense or not intense enough? Are there safe guidelines?

• Medical Clearance

Before you begin, discuss your intention to exercise with your surgeon and  primary care physician. Get medical clearance to make sure you can exercise safely. With the exception of short daily walks, don’t be disappointed if your surgeon requires you to wait at least until your 6 week post-op check-up to begin exercise.

• Time for a Standard Work-out

While a 60 minute workout would be the long term goal, begin slowly at 15-20-30 minutes and add a few minutes each week. Make time to warm up and cool down.

Warm-up                                 5-10 minutes

Strength Training                    10-15-20 minutes

Aerobic                                   10-15-20 minutes

Cool down                              5-10 minutes

• Exercise Routine

• If the individual does not exercise regularly, start slowly and then increase activity level
• Importance of exercising in comfortable temperatures
  • Example: in the summer if exercising outside --- recommendation: early morning or late evening NOT during the middle of the day in the summer heat
  • Hydration before, during, and after exercise is important
  • Cellular Phone – for emergencies - take to hotel gym – especially if unattended

• Warm Up
  1. 5-10 minutes
  • Ways to warm up:
    1. Walking on a treadmill / around gym area
    1. Bike
    1. Stretching – active and gentle

• Strength Training – begin with light weights and increase repetitions
  1. 20 minutes
  1. Can begin with one set of 8 to 12 reps
  1. 2-3 times a week (do not exercise the same muscles 2 days in a row)
  • Exercises (Perform 8-10 different exercises that train all major muscle groups)
    1. Shoulders – Bent over row with weights  
    1. Back – Seated rows with bands or bent over with weights
    1. Chest – Chest press with weights or Push-ups
    1. Biceps – Biceps curl with weights
    1. Triceps – Triceps extensions with weights or Push-ups
    1. Abdominals – pelvic tilts or core exercises on ball  
    1. Gluteals – Leg Press, 30 degree Wall Slides
    1. Quadriceps – Knee extensions with ankle weights, Lunges, Squats
    1. Hamstrings -  Hamstring Curl 
    1. Calves – Calf raises

• Aerobic
  1. 20 minutes
  • Exercise
    1. Treadmill / walking outside
    1. Elliptical
    1. Bike (recumbent bike is recommended)
    1. Stepper
    1. Stairmaster

• Cool Down
  • 5-10 minutes
    1. Walking on a treadmill / around gym area
    1. Bike
    1. Stretching

How to Monitor Your Exercise Program:

• Target Heart Rate

First, determine your resting heart rate by taking your HR (pulse) using your index finger on the thumb side of your wrist for 30 seconds and multiply it by two. 80 beats per minute is considered a normal HR but it varies. This is a good baseline to use as a goal to return to upon completion of your workout. For example, your HR may increase to 150 during exercise, but you want to return to your pre exercise HR (80) within 3-5 minutes after you complete the workout.

For those who are healthy, calculating your target heart rate (HR) is an easy and useful tool to monitor exercise intensity.

220 – Your Age = Maximum Heart Rate

EXAMPLE for a 45 year old: 220 – 45 = 175 beats per minute should not be exceeded during exercise.

• Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Intensity for Exercise - Energy Cost of Physical Exercise.

            For those concerned about calories expended during exercise.

NOTE: Keep the level at a light/moderate level for the first four to six weeks and advance to the moderate/heavy at week six. The Very Heavy Level may not be appropriate for 12 weeks post op is for those who have a reasonable fitness level and exercise 4-5 days per week.

Example of Data Found on Fitness Equipment

Remember, this is only accurate if you program your correct height, weight and age.

Level                          kCal/min                    MET

Light                              2 - 4.9                     1.6 – 3.9

Moderate                        5 - 7.4                     4 – 5.9

Heavy                          7.5 - 9.9                     6 - 7.9

Very Heavy                  10 - 12.4                   8 – 9.9

• Cardiac Patient on Beta Blockers

Always secure physician approval before engaging in an exercise program.
If the patient is on beta blockers (Atenolol, Bisoprolol, etc), it is important to use the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE) scale to determine safe exercise stress since exercise will not increase HR as expected:

• Borg (RPE) Scale = indicates exercise intensity

0 - Nothing at all
1 - Very light
2 - Light
3 - Moderate
4 - Somewhat intense
5 - Intense (heavy)
6
7 - Very intense
8
9 - Very, very intense
10 - Maximum Intensity

NOTE: Keep the RPE at 2-3 the first 6 weeks post op and advance to level 3-4 at 8-12 weeks post op. Levels 5-6-7 are for those with a reasonable fitness level and exercise 4-5 days per week. The advanced levels should not be attained until 2-3 months of exercise and 3-4 months post op.

MEDICAL CONTRIBUTOR: Timothy Farrell, MD, is a general surgeon at GCMC.

EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” via Blog

EVERY SUNDAY in "The Sunday Times" - Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!” in hard copy

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy in Scranton and Clarks Summit. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles, visit our exercise forum!