This month marks eighteen years since I founded LifeScape. I set out with the mission to address one of the biggest frustrations in U.S. healthcare: the presumption that most chronic diseases must be “managed” rather than reversed or, ideally, prevented from ever happening in the first place.
We, unfortunately, excel at rescue because crisis necessitates action.
Prevention isn’t as compelling. But, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Our mission, to inspire and empower health transformation, speaks to the power in every patient, given the proper tools, guidance, feedback and support, to transform their health to a different level.
In just a handful of physicals this week, I’ve witnessed several patients who have accomplished improved fatigue, diabetes, neuropathy, inflammation, pain, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular risk, kidney failure and cognitive impairment.
These health transformations are truly incredible.
And the important thing to note is that medications didn’t fix these problems. While medications sometimes play a supporting role, they are often simply a bandaid.
Lifestyle and our choices hold the keys to cure.
These wins were achieved with small habit changes applied persistently. With the mindset of prevention. I want to share my 5 Prevention Goals for every LifeScape Patient – Our goal is that NO Patient:
1) progresses to type 2 diabetes
2) requires vascular surgery
3) suffers a heart attack before the very end of life
4) requires dialysis
5) outlives their brain
These goals are ambitious and not always achievable but absolutely imperative we make the effort.
Imagine the healthcare savings if all Americans and their physicians focused on these goals. Medicare spending and insurance costs would plummet.
Sadly, each American generation is less healthy than the one preceding so we have our work cut out for us. But there is hope if we shift our thinking and habits, and the earlier we start engaging with people, the better (though these transformations can occur at EVERY age).
There is nothing more gratifying for the LifeScape care team than collaborating with patients, engaging with families and witnessing brilliant health breakthroughs. Thank you for honoring us with your health as we celebrate 18 years of working beside you, continuously learning as we go.
In Health,
Susan S Wilder, MD, IFMCP