Lifestyle medicine: Changing lives from the inside out
Lifestyle medicine is a fast‑growing medical specialty that uses lifestyle changes to prevent, treat and sometimes reverse chronic disease.
“Consistent movement, improved sleep and simplifying nutrition are often the biggest game changers,” Stephen Carek, MD, said. “Patients are often surprised how much better they feel when they focus on small, repeatable habits rather than extreme or short-term solutions.”
Based in Greenville, Dr. Carek serves as a Prisma Health family medicine physician, directs the Prisma Health/USC School of Medicine Greenville Family Medicine Residency Program and teaches as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. Because of his multifaceted role, Dr. Carek has seen firsthand how lifestyle medicine can strengthen and support traditional medical care.
Lifestyle medicine is a partnership, not a replacement, for traditional care
At Prisma Health, lifestyle medicine is designed to work hand‑in‑hand with traditional clinical care. Rather than replacing medical treatment, it enhances the full spectrum of care patients receive across the system.
It’s built upon core pillars such as nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding risky substances. These pillars target the root causes of illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering patients a path toward sustainable change rather than short-term fixes.
“I’ve seen patients with type 2 diabetes or heart disease significantly reduce or even eliminate medications through sustainable nutrition changes and regular movement,” Dr. Carek said. “Others regain the ability to exercise, travel or play with their kids after years of chronic pain or fatigue. The most meaningful success is when patients feel empowered and confident managing their own health, inspiring those around them.”
Giving future physicians a foundation in lifestyle medicine for improved care
Dr. Carek said Prisma Health stands out for its expanded focus on prevention that blends lifestyle strategies, clinical care and strong community partnerships. That includes providing future physicians with a foundation in lifestyle medicine so they can carry these principles into their careers.
“Lifestyle medicine doesn’t replace traditional care, in my opinion, it enhances it. We work alongside primary care, specialty care and hospital-based teams to support patients before, during and after medical treatment. Lifestyle strategies often improve outcomes for conditions that are already being managed with medications or procedures.”
Dr. Carek noted that some people hear “lifestyle medicine” and assume it’s an alternative or fringe approach but in reality, it’s grounded in rigorous science and is meant to complement a patient’s full care plan. While patients sometimes expect dramatic, bootcamp‑level changes, the truth is far more approachable.
“Another misconception is that it requires drastic changes: such as exercising hours a day or dramatic changes to their diets. Most success comes from small, sustainable steps that over time can make tremendous changes to a person’s health,” Dr. Carek said.
Those steps can be as simple as committing to a 10 to 25‑minute daily walk, choosing more whole foods, drinking more water or sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. These small habits stack up, creating long‑term improvements in health and well‑being.
For patients committing to healthier habits, support is a powerful anchor. Having a family member, friend or coworker who celebrates progress and holds you accountable helps keep momentum going when change feels difficult.
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“Find someone to help you or keep you accountable. Small changes done consistently are far more effective than big changes done briefly.”
The potential lifestyle medicine has to change lives is only just being discovered
For Dr. Carek, the medical field is only beginning to uncover the full potential of lifestyle medicine. As research continues and the model becomes more integrated into mainstream health care, he sees a future with expanded access, stronger preventive care and collaborative, team‑based patient support.
“Prevention isn’t about restriction or fear – it’s about building a life that supports health, function and joy. Small daily choices, supported by the right care team, can have a profound long-term impact.”
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