University Medical Center is strengthening the care it provides with the addition of lifestyle medicine services that make patients equal partners with their providers in preventing, managing and even reversing chronic disease.
The services currently focus on addressing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity by providing patients with the knowledge, tools and resources to help them build long-term, sustainable healthy lifestyle habits.
“The goal is to focus on what’s causing disease and give patients the tools and support they need to make lasting lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Ansley Baccus, a family medicine physician at UMC who leads the lifestyle medicine services along with UMC internist Dr. Jonathan Baccus. “These changes can significantly improve health and, in some cases, reduce the need for medications,” she said.
The lifestyle medicine services, which UMC began providing in 2026, focus on six key areas: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection and avoidance of harmful substances. Appointments are hour-long visits that include lifestyle assessments, nutrition counseling and the creation of individualized wellness plans that key in on healthy eating, exercise and strategies to improve sleep and manage stress.
“It’s meant to support patients in making meaningful, long-term changes while continuing their regular care,” said Jon Baccus.