Rockford, MI
Lifestyle Medicine
Meet our Doctors
Lifestyle Medicine
At Bella Vista Family Eye Care in Rockford, MI, we’re redefining what it means to care for your eyes and health. Dr. Jackson is one of the few optometrists certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), offering a science-backed approach to vision and health care.
Lifestyle medicine focuses on the root causes of chronic conditions and empowers you to improve your health through sustainable lifestyle changes. From nutrition and exercise to sleep and stress, the way we live directly affects not only our overall health but also our eye health. Dr. Jackson is proud to offer lifestyle medicine in Rockford, Michigan, helping patients make sustainable lifestyle changes that can improve their long-term health and quality of life.
What is lifestyle medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is an evidence-based medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic diseases. This approach is grounded in the understanding that many of today’s most common health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and eye diseases, are largely lifestyle-related.
Lifestyle medicine can address up to 80% of chronic diseases. Unlike conventional approaches that may rely heavily on medications or procedures, lifestyle medicine focuses on modifying daily habits that drive disease and dysfunction.
The 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine
Dr. Jackson applies the six pillars of lifestyle medicine to support patients in creating meaningful changes that positively impact their health, including their eye health.
Nutrition
A predominantly whole-food, plant-based diet can reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar control, and support healthy vision. Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic disease.
Physical activity
Regular movement helps boost circulation, regulate metabolism, and improve energy levels, all of which contribute to both general and eye health.
Restorative sleep
Quality sleep allows your body and eyes to recover, reducing oxidative stress and improving your ability to heal and focus.
Stress management
Chronic stress is linked to many health issues, including dry eye and other vision concerns. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and healthy coping strategies are essential.
Avoidance of risky substances
Limiting or eliminating tobacco, excessive alcohol, and other harmful substances helps reduce disease risk and supports long-term health.
Social connection
Strong relationships and supportive communities improve mental and emotional well-being, directly impacting overall health.
Visit our lifestyle medicine specialist in Rockford, MI
By integrating lifestyle medicine into eye care, Dr. Jackson goes beyond standard exams to offer comprehensive, whole-body wellness support. Whether you’re managing an eye condition, living with a chronic illness, or want to feel better in your day-to-day life, we can help you thrive, starting with the habits that shape your health.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jackson, your trusted lifestyle medicine specialist in Rockford, MI.