I love living in modern times. The technology and conveniences available to us are extraordinary and one can’t help but be amazed by what’s possible.

However, as a physician, those feelings are tempered by the negative effects of these modern conveniences. We enjoy them at potentially significant risks. The world we live in allows us to lead sedentary lives filled with delicious foods, entertainment at our fingertips and goods and services delivered to our doors. This risk comes in where these pleasures contribute to unhealthy eating, isolation and apathy. Modern medicine has become very good at putting bandages on the consequences of our modern lifestyle. That was very apparent to me during my nearly 20 years in medical oncology.

Medicine has become very good at “fixing” problems. There is significantly less value placed on prevention and lifestyle modification, but this is also where the dramatic steps forward in the world of medicine can be found. We need to change our approach and get more active in the transition from sick care to wellness.

I have come to recognize that a more simple lifestyle is the key to a long and well-lived life. It also can be a significant component to fixing our national health crisis.

I have devoted the second half of my medical career to changing the way we offer medical care. Promoting the lessons learned from the blue zones is a key component to my medical practice and to the recommendations I make to patients of Be Well MD.