The Lifestyle First programme is a new model of how to optimise health in our schools, to navigate the capitalist driven priorities of convenience, profit and individualism by building community, self care and natural environments.
The programme uses lifestyle medicine and health coaching to inspire an exciting new culture in schools, bringing a much needed awareness of the principle of health creation and one that empowers students, staff and parents leading to improved relationships, mental health, fitness levels, attendance and academic performance.
There are two main elements to the programme, the Lifestyle First Curriculum and placing health coaches in your schools.
The Lifestyle First curriculum is an interactive online programme which educates the whole school community about the principles of Lifestyle Medicine. It has been created in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) and uses only the latest evidenced based principles. Leading experts from the fields of sleep, physical activity, mental health and nutrition have all contributed to ensure this resource is industry leading!
The Lifestyle First curriculum is about providing a trusted source of information to parents so that they can effectively support themselves and their children. It is easy for us to get confused by conflicting advice and effective marketing campaigns and we are all being influenced by ‘lifestyle drift‘ which means what is a ‘normal’ lifestyle is moving further away from living a life in alignment with our biological needs!
It is not just about information though and the programme brings the staff along with the cultural shift so that they start to value their own health more. Once the staff are role modelling healthy behaviours they will enjoy their jobs more and become far more effective at inspiring the children to look after themselves. This is supported by the (PSHE) curriculum for the students which brings lifestyle medicine to life for them. It builds awareness around concepts like the microbiome, metabolic health, brain health and acts as both a preventative strategy and a treatment for the growing trend of ‘preventable’ mental and physical health problems. Once this takes effect the level of teaching and learning possible across all subjects goes up!
As part of the programme we can place a health coach in your school (full or part time) to help implement the strategies and deliver interventions to students and staff that might need more support. Health coaching is a wonderful tool to create positive behaviour change and empowers people, building their confidence and can foster a sense of purpose in their lives. Lifestyle First have created UK and International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA) approved courses for health coaches to work in education environments.
In order to encourage students to make the positive lifestyle changes we have also created a Lifestyle First Medicine Award which is accredited by the BSLM. Find out more here.
The Lifestyle First programme uses health coaching and lifestyle medicine to work with School Communities to develop health and wellbeing.
Your health and the health of your community is the most important thing your posses. In the modern world it is easy for us to feel disconnected with this fact and to be distracted by competing narratives about the route to happiness and contentment.
Lifestyle First can transform your wellbeing by bringing your environment into alignment with your evolutionary biology. Your body knows how to keep you healthy – it just needs the right support!