Welcome New Members

The concepts of Lifestyle Medicine continue to grow and develop exponentially.

2011 has without a doubt been ACLM's strongest year ever.  Our membership has increased dramatically, growing at a 60% annual increase.  Member involvement continues to improve and expand as well.  This month we're kicking off our sixth standing committee - each actively moving Lifestyle Medicine concepts and opportunities forward.  

Our partnerships also continue to see growth.  In 2011 we had an extremely strong Lifestyle Medicine meeting in collaboration with our primary partner, the American College of Preventive Medicine.  We've established the framework for stronger connections to the Institute for Functional Medicine and the American College of Nutrition.  Additionally, we continue to pursue relationships with a variety of other professional organizations.  

Our initiatives were highlighted by the success of our Practice Management Workshop.  I'm also excited about the ongoing opportunities we continue to explore with a variety of organizations including the Medical Group Management Association, the Food Marketing Institute, and many others.  Although we have had lots of sponsorship interests in Lifestyle Medicine, in 2011 for the first time, we've had a company offer us a significant no strings attached gift to help continue to grow our organization. 

All of this has happened primarily through efforts from individual ACLM members.  Although ACLM does have three staff members, what they are actually reimbursed is minimal.  Much of what they do is motivated by their vision and passion, not by their financial compensation.  As we move into election season - both nationally and for our organization - there are opportunities for each of you to join the ACLM movement in more substantial ways.  Nominate yourself for an officer's position, join a committee, suggest other ways you can contribute to establishing Lifestyle Medicine as a foundational tool used by all physicians and available to all patients.  We are working toward this.

2011 provides strong evidence for our success.  2012 shines brightly in front us.  It's wonderful taking this journey together.  

Sincerely,

President

Alona Pulde, MD

Wanting to empower people to make more informed choices for optimal health and well-being, Drs. Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman joined forces with Whole Foods Market to develop the innovative Whole Foods Market Wellness Clubs, designed to educate, inspire and empower those looking

to make positive lifestyle changes.

Matt Lederman, MD

Dr. Pulde describes how the concept began: "The idea originated as the vision for our clinic.  We envisioned a comprehensive approach, educating people in making nutrition and lifestyle changes.  It's fantastic to be a physician and truly make a difference, and to now see it disseminated to a wider audience." 

She and Dr. Lederman, along with nutrition expert Jeff Novick, MS, RD, expanded upon that vision with Whole Foods Market.  Founded upon in-depth medical and nutritional research, the Wellness Clubs are intended to guide wise decision-making and support the transition to a healthier lifestyle.   

Dr. Pulde describes the frustration felt in seeing patients become sicker over time, with little to offer except pills and procedures - treating the symptoms but not impacting the underlying disease. "We've been able to step away from this vicious and futile cycle and discover a practice of medicine that allows us to help people make dramatic changes in their lives" noting that patients have, through lifestyle change, successfully lost weight, lowered cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other measures with marked improvement in diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other diseases.

Former ACLM board member Dr. Matt Lederman points out, "We're really advocating Lifestyle Medicine, with a focus on dietary and lifestyle changes that promote optimal health. This is not alternative medicine; it is evidence-based medicine founded on years of scientific research largely ignored by conventional practices.  And, the beauty and strength of this approach is that it empowers individuals to take charge of their own health." He goes on to describe that Wellness Club members learn not only "why" they need to make certain changes but "how" to do so in a way that works well for them, noting, "This approach empowers people to become their own best health advocate."