Conference Participation

Lightning Round III: The Impact of Government & Public Interventions on Marginalized Communities

Paper: Lifestyle Medicine and Culturally Relevant Nutrition

Abstract: The emerging fields of Lifestyle Medicine and Food is Medicine recognize that daily habits and culturally relevant nutrition are powerful tools for preventing and managing chronic disease. Rochester Clinic and Lotus Health Foundation implement a culturally rooted model centered on six pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of harmful substances, integrated with produce prescription programs. In 2025, initiatives reached >500 individuals, produced 3,500 lbs of fresh food, and partnered with Asian Media Access (CDC REACH). This approach advances metabolic and brain health while shifting care from treatment to prevention. It offers a scalable, community-driven framework with potential for integration into public health systems, linking health, culture, and economic development to redefine prosperity.

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