DipABLM study plan

Map the six ABLM domains onto a one-page grid and rate your current confidence in each from 1 to 5

Outline the evidence base linking positive social connection to cardiometabolic outcomes, naming at least four proposed mechanisms (e.g., vagal tone, health behaviors, inflammatory markers, adherence support)

Build a 60-food reference list of whole plant foods with fiber, protein, and key micronutrient notes for each

Draft a counseling script skeleton (open-ended question, reflective listening, agenda setting) you will reuse all eight weeks

Compare validated social-connection screening tools (e.g., UCLA Loneliness Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale) and record what each measures and its limits

Summarize the mortality and morbidity evidence for loneliness and social isolation, citing effect sizes from meta-analytic reviews

List five practical social-prescribing referral pathways a lifestyle medicine clinician could use, with the eligibility criteria for each

Practice writing two SMART social-connection goals a patient could realistically adopt within a month

Assemble the trial evidence for plant-predominant patterns in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, noting study design and population for each citation

Explain how to assess protein adequacy, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 status in a patient adopting a plant-predominant pattern

Draft a 15-minute counseling flow for a patient with prediabetes who currently eats fast food five times weekly

Identify three common patient objections to plant-predominant eating and write an evidence-based response to each

Write the exercise-prescription components (frequency, intensity, time, type) for aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance training per current physical activity guidelines

Calculate a patient's estimated maximal heart rate and describe how to set moderate- and vigorous-intensity zones without a stress test

Explain the role of physical activity in glycemic control, mood, and sleep quality, citing at least three studies

Integrate a diet and activity recommendation into a single 20-minute patient encounter plan

Describe the standard sleep assessment: sleep diary duration, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index domains, and when to refer for a sleep study

Summarize cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) components and the evidence for its first-line status

List behavioral strategies that improve both sleep and activity adherence (e.g., morning light exposure, consistent wake time, limiting late vigorous exercise)

Draft three questions that screen for insufficient sleep and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea in a primary care visit

Explain the physiologic stress response (HPA axis, sympathetic activation, allostatic load) and how chronic stress affects sleep, eating, and substance use

Describe at least four evidence-supported stress-management techniques and the evidence quality behind each

Write a brief motivational-interviewing exchange demonstrating change talk elicitation for a patient resistant to stress-management referral

Identify signs of burnout in yourself and list two boundaries you will set during the remaining study weeks

Summarize screening approaches for alcohol use (e.g., AUDIT-C, single-question screen) and the recommended limits and brief-intervention steps

Explain the health effects of tobacco and nicotine products and outline the 5A's cessation framework

Describe how to counsel on other risky substances (cannabis, stimulants, prescription misuse) without a punitive tone

Write two harm-reduction talking points suitable for a patient who is not ready to quit

Complete two full-length timed practice exams and log every missed item by domain

Re-review the three domains with your lowest practice scores using your week 1-7 deliverables

Build a one-page master summary of the six domains with the single most testable fact for each

Write a personal post-exam plan for sustaining lifestyle behaviors you studied