Behavioral medicine is a field that combines knowledge from psychology and medicine to understand how behavior affects health. It focuses on the ways that emotions, thoughts, and social factors can influence physical health and illness. This approach often involves strategies to promote healthy behaviors, such as exercise and stress management, to improve overall well-being. Professionals in behavioral medicine may work with patients dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. They use techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients change unhealthy habits and cope with the psychological aspects of their medical conditions.