Science has proven that conditions like diabetes, obesity and heart disease are preventable, and even in many cases reversible, with proper diet and exercise.According to the CDC, as of 2014, 29 million Americans have diabetes, while 86 million have pre-diabetes; 70% of adults are overweight or obese. As a country we spend $315 billion annually on treating cardiovascular disease alone. Yet, science has proven that all of these conditions are preventable, and even in many cases reversible, with proper diet and exercise. As the public and doctors become more educated, there has been an increased focus on lifestyle medicine as a more viable solution than drugs and surgeries, which do not address the root causes of these diseases. The goal and primary focus of lifestyle medicine is simply the prevention and treatment of disorders caused by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity, and chronic stress. This is done by helping individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and stress reduction.Frustrated by the shortcomings of today’s health care industry in treating preventable conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Dr. Lindsey Mcilvena was compelled to create her own unique model for patient care. Her pioneering approach combines traditional medicine with proactive, customized treatment plans that focus on addressing the root causes of chronic disease.The sole focus of Dr. Mcilvena’s medical practice is on helping patients slow and reverse chronic lifestyle diseases. She subscribes to a strategy of treating the whole person and underlying causes of disease through a synthesis of whole foods, plant-based nutrition exercise, smoking cessation, stress management and other healing methods.Dr. Mcilvena believes every person has the power to manifest change and is passionate about helping individuals take an active role in achieving greater health and longevity.Listen in as Dr. Mclivena joins hosts Andrea and Lisa to share her view on disease prevention, lifestyle medicine, following a plant-based diet, and how she helps her clients live longer, healthier lives.