At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we want you to know that adolescent treatment programs are available to help teens struggling with addiction or dual diagnoses. Lifestyle medicine for teens can be an excellent way to improve their overall health and wellness. Foothills at Red Oak is proud to provide a number of lifestyle programs at our North Carolina treatment center. To learn more about our services, please contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.
What Is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle medicine focuses on treating the whole person by using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Some of those may include having a whole-food, plant-based diet, getting enough sleep, working on stress management techniques, avoiding substance abuse, and getting regular activity. This method is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that may be beneficial in adolescent treatment.
The Four Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine has four pillars. Each pillar represents an essential aspect of health and wellbeing. By addressing these pillars, it’s believed that many people can improve their health and avoid or reverse some symptoms of the disease. Here is more about each of the four pillars.
Stress Management
The first pillar is stress management. Stress management focuses on avoiding sedentary behavior and reducing the adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Some tips to improve stress management include developing a bedtime routine, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and avoiding napping in the evening.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is another crucial aspect of lifestyle medicine that can help teens. A teen’s risk of stroke, heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes reduces when they are physically active. Physical activity may also help protect their thinking skills and memory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week along with two strength training days.
Relationships
Reducing stress through a positive social life is another aspect of lifestyle medicine. One possible way to maintain positive relationships is by building a positive relationship with pets. Since loneliness is a major factor in so many illnesses and may lead to premature mortality, building a solid community is essential.
Nutrition
Good nutrition plays a role in the health and wellness of all people. The right foods may even help you improve your mood. Some of the mood-boosting foods suggested by lifestyle medicine include:
- Clams, oysters, and mussels
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
- Beans
- Seeds
- Lean meats
- Wild salmon
Choosing the right foods to get the body’s quality vitamins and minerals helps it function more normally.
What Is N.E.A.T.?
As you begin looking into lifestyle medicine for teens, one of the tips you’ll find is to use “N.E.A.T.” This acronym refers to increasing non-exercise activity time to improve a person’s overall fitness level. This means adding simple movement to your day, such as getting up during commercials to do quick exercise or choosing to walk from the back of the parking lot rather than parking close to the building.
These seem like simple changes, but they add up over time and benefit people significantly before they realize it. Even with this small change, good exercise can help reduce the risk of depression and other mental health conditions.
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery for Support
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we know that holistic healing methods can be helpful during your child’s treatment program. Lifestyle medicine for teens considers their entire body while focusing on improving their health. Good sleep, nutrition, and exercise can make a difference in how a person feels.
If you or someone you know would like more information about adolescent treatment for a substance use disorder or other mental health concern, contact us today at 866.300.5275. Our helpful agents are available now to speak with you about all of our treatment options.
