Supporting Whole-Person Care in Complex Long-Term Conditions

A lecturer in Biomedical Sciences and experienced health mentor used the Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine (PLM) framework to support a young woman living with Crohn’s disease, anxiety and chronic fatigue through a personalised lifestyle medicine approach. 

The patient, a 25-year-old woman, was living with digestive symptoms, abdominal pain, anxiety and emotional stress, which had begun to affect their physical activity levels and create strain within family relationships.

Using the PLM framework, support focused on:

• gradual dietary improvements 
• stress regulation and breathing techniques 
• improving sleep routines 
• gentle movement and outdoor activity 
• emotional wellbeing and self-awareness 
• realistic, personalised lifestyle goals 

Over three months, the patient reported:

• fewer and less severe flare-ups 
• improved symptom management 
• better communication about physical limits 
• improved confidence and mental wellbeing 
• returning to outdoor work activities 
• greater ability to recognise and manage stress triggers 

The patient reflected:

“Before our sessions, my Crohn’s disease and anxiety controlled every aspect of my life. Now, I can manage my symptoms better, introduce new foods, and feel more confident in my ability to cope with daily challenges.”

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