“Transforming Healthcare: The Revolutionary Impact of Lifestyle Medicine”

HARIPUR: Lifestyle medicine signifies a fundamental shift in healthcare, emphasizing prevention and comprehensive wellness instead of solely addressing illnesses, stated Dr. Munira Abbasi, a distinguished physician and specialist in endocrinology.

She articulated these insights during a presentation entitled “lifestyle medicine–Purana Raaz Naye Pehchan” organized by Lok Chaupal at Wakefield Pind Gakhra Khanpur on Sunday. Lok Chaupal serves as a community dialogue platform aimed at advancing regional history and social issues.

The session was moderated by Dr. Zafar Mirza, the former special assistant to the prime minister on health, alongside host Ayaz Gul Kiani. The audience also included Dr. Anwar Gillani, former vice-chancellor of Haripur University, renowned educator Shaheen Qulli Khan, Dr. Salma Kiani, Shahid Fiaz, former ED of Fafen, and distinguished psychiatrist Dr. Mowadat Rana.

Lifestyle medicine constitutes a field of medicine that prioritizes preventive health measures and self-care through evidence-based lifestyle adjustments to address and reverse chronic ailments such as cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and obesity.

Emphasizing the significance of lifestyle changes in the prevention and management of diseases, Dr. Munira underscored the necessity of a balanced diet, consistent exercise, stress control, sufficient sleep, and social connectivity.

“Lifestyle medicine recognizes that individuals are complex, multifaceted beings; establishing balance and integration across these aspects is vital for nurturing a healthy, resilient, and fulfilling personality,” she elaborated.

Dr. Munira, who also holds the vice presidency of lifestyle medicine and is a faculty member at the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, mentioned that adopting a holistic outlook allows individuals to pursue a more balanced, harmonious, and genuine expression of themselves, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence.

A question-and-answer segment followed the presentation to enhance awareness on the subject and involve an audience from various professional backgrounds, including students, on this occasion.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2024