HARIPUR: Lifestyle medicine represented a paradigm shift in healthcare, focusing on prevention and holistic wellness rather than just treating diseases, said Dr Munira Abbasi, a renowned physician and expert in endocrinology.

She expressed these views during a talk titled “lifestyle medicine--Purana Raaz Naye Pehchan” that Lok Chaupal organised at Wakefield Pind Gakhra Khanpur here on Sunday. Lok Chaupal is a community discussion forum dedicated to promoting history of the region and social subjects.

Former special assistant to prime minister on health Dr Zafar Mirza and host Ayaz Gul Kiani moderated the session while Dr Anwar Gillani, former vice-chancellor of Haripur University, Shaheen Qulli Khan, a renowned educationist, Dr Salma Kiani, Shahid Fiaz, former ED of Fafen, Dr Mowadat Rana, a renowned psychiatrist, also attended the session.

Lifestyle medicine is a branch of medicines that focuses on preventive healthcare and self-care using evidence-based lifestyle changes to treat and reverse chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and obesity.

Highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications, for preventing and managing diseases, Dr Munira highlighted the importance of balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep and social integration.

“Lifestyle medicine acknowledges that human beings are complex, multifaceted entities and that achieving balance and integration across these dimensions is essential for cultivating a healthy, resilient, and fulfilling personality,” she explained.

Dr Munira, who is also vice president of lifestyle medicine and a faculty member of Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, said that by embracing holistic perspective, individuals could better strive for a more balanced, harmonious and authentic expression of themselves, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

A question and answer session followed the talk to create awareness about the topic and engage the audience of diverse career backgrounds including students on this occasion.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2024