Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity affect millions of Americans every year, but a new approach to medicine is offering hope for healthier futures right here in Destin at Foundations Medical Center.
It’s called lifestyle medicine, and instead of relying solely on prescriptions or procedures, it focuses on everyday choices: what people eat, how much they move, how well they sleep, and how they manage stress.
“Lifestyle medicine is about empowering patients to take charge of their health,” said Dr. Kyle Chavers, a physician at Foundations Medical Center in Destin who specializes in the approach. “We’re not just treating symptoms; we’re working to reverse the root causes of disease.”
The foundation of lifestyle medicine rests on six key pillars: Nutrition: Encouraging whole, plant-forward diets and reducing processed foods. Physical Activity: Promoting regular exercise tailored to each individual’s needs.Restorative Sleep: Helping patients improve both the quantity and quality of their rest. Stress Management: Teaching practical tools such as mindfulness, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Hydration: Focusing on the quantity and quality of water and fluids. Positive Social Connections: Strengthening relationships and building support systems.
Local patients are already seeing the benefits of lifestyle medicine in Destin. Research shows that these evidence-based changes can dramatically improve health outcomes, reduce medical costs, and enhance quality of life.
Pam, a patient of Dr. Chavers at Foundations Medical Center and IV Infusion Spa, shared her experience. “Dr. Chavers took a different approach than any general practitioner I’ve seen. After following his guidance, my lab work showed significant positive changes, and I started feeling better.”
Health systems across the country are beginning to integrate lifestyle medicine into primary care and wellness programs. At Foundations Medical Center in Destin, Dr. Chavers and his team are leading this effort locally, offering personalized treatment plans that focus on prevention and long-term health.
Community workshops and group visits are also helping residents make sustainable changes to their habits.
“This is about more than medicine; it’s about creating a healthier community,” Dr. Chavers said. “Small changes, when made consistently, can lead to life-changing results.”
As awareness grows, lifestyle medicine in Destin may become a cornerstone of local health care, offering residents not just longer lives but healthier ones.
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For more information about Foundations Medical Center, contact the company here:
Foundations Medical Center
Our Staff
850.269.9000
info@foundationsmedical.com
4467 Commons Dr W Suite F-G, Destin, FL 32541
