Islamabad: In underdeveloped countries like Pakistan with high burden of ailments like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, only solution is turning to lifestyle medicine—a branch of medicine that utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic diseases, a US-trained health lifestyle medicine expert says.
“This paradigm shift emphasizes the profound impact of daily habits and choices on overall health,” said Dr. Munira Abbasi, a physician who is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Lifestyle Medicine, during a talk on Saturday. Dr. Abbasi, who is at the forefront of this movement in Pakistan, delivered an enlightening talk on lifestyle medicine at Lok Chupal, an initiative spearheaded by social activists including former federal health minister Dr. Zafar Mirza and senior pharmacist Ayaz Kiani. The event was held at Wakefield Gardens in Tehsil Khanpur near Taxila.
During her presentation, Dr. Abbasi underscored the significance of integrating lifestyle medicine with conventional pharmacological treatments, explaining that while traditional medicine plays a crucial role in managing diseases, incorporating lifestyle modifications can enhance treatment outcomes and, in many cases, prevent the onset of diseases.
"Lifestyle medicine is not in opposition to allopathic or any other medical systems; rather, it complements them, offering a holistic approach to patient care," she emphasized. Dr. Abbasi elaborated on the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, which serve as the foundation for preventing and reversing chronic diseases. These include nutrition and advocating for a whole-food, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, which has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and many common malignancies.
Encouraging regular exercise to improve cardiovascular health, enhance mood, and maintain a healthy weight, she also emphasized the necessity of adequate and quality sleep for optimal physiological functioning and disease prevention.
Calling for stress management, she urged the adoption of techniques to effectively reduce stress and its detrimental impact on health and called for the avoidance of harmful substances, highlighting the importance of ceasing tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding illicit drugs. Dr. Abbasi also stressed the importance of social connections and spoke about the role of healthy relationships and community support in enhancing mental and physical health.
She highlighted the economic benefits of lifestyle medicine interventions, noting that they can lead to significant cost savings by improving health outcomes and reducing the need for chronic disease care. The hosts of the event, Dr. Zafar Mirza and pharmacist Ayaz Kiani, provided context to the gathering. Dr. Mirza introduced Dr. Abbasi, highlighting her extensive credentials and dedication to lifestyle medicine.
Kiani delved into the rich history of Taxila Stone Arts and the significance of Lok Chupal, drawing connections to the Buddhist civilization that once thrived in the region centuries ago. Renowned social activist and former Special Assistant of Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health, Dr. Zafar Mirza, introduced Dr. Abbasi, saying she is actively involved in training both healthcare professionals and the general public in lifestyle medicine principles.
Her initiatives include educating individuals on preparing nutritious meals for children and adults, promoting kitchen gardening, and fostering social connections. "Our goal is to empower people with the knowledge and skills to take charge of their health, thereby preventing diseases before they occur," he stated.
The event also featured insights from renowned psychiatrist Dr. Mowadat Rana, who reflected on the inevitability of illness as part of the human experience. He said even prophets, regarded as perfect beings, experienced sickness, teaching humanity the importance of healthy living.
Dr. Rana emphasized that while animals instinctively lead natural lives, humans often struggle between common sense and passion, sometimes allowing the latter to dominate. He stressed the importance of prioritizing common sense, particularly in maintaining connections with family and friends, as the breakdown of these relationships can lead to issues such as substance addiction.