For years many have believed that genetic heritage defined one’s destiny, if an individual would grow to be healthy, or if he or she would suffer from chronic illness or cancer. Recent scientific evidence and the field of epigenetics has proven this to be untrue. Certainly, the DNA sequence and the genetic code are fixed; but the field of epigenetics has shown how methylation and other chemical modifications of the genome directly influence the production of proteins that can alter the phenotype of an organism. This article will lay out the supporting research, the details on how the internal and external environments influence genetic function, and will allow the reader to develop an action plan necessary to influence the genetic code, with the goal of then moving the individual toward optimal health. These research details will enable health care professionals in every field of medicine to work with patients on positively influencing the genetic output in order to improve the quality of life and longevity.

Chronic diseases pose many challenges to health care providers and the health care system from a human capital, logistic, and financial perspective. To overcome these challenges, efficient and effective health care delivery models that address multiple chronic conditions need to be leveraged. Shared medical appointments are one potential solution to address these issues. This article offers a brief history of group visits and shared medical appointments and reviews the available data regarding their outcomes. It describes the benefits of using lifestyle medicine as the primary therapeutic modality within a shared medical appointment to treat, reverse, and prevent chronic disease. Key considerations and action steps for the implementation of lifestyle medicine shared medical appointments (LMSMAs) are outlined and the potential delivery of these services via telehealth is explored.

Most chronic illnesses in developed nations are largely preventable. Lifestyle Medicine adds tremendous value to traditional methods for the delivery of healthcare by focusing on preventing, reversing and treating chronic illness. By helping individuals focus on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, quality sleep, mental health and purposeful living, the risk and incidence of chronic illness decreases dramatically. This article describes the team approach to preventive health care including the value of Wellness Coaching and how the Group Visit model of health care improves access to care and quality outcomes.