Lagos: Some lifestyle medicine practitioners have called for a shift of focus from disease management to preventive care and vibrant living in order to reduce the number of people suffering from chronic diseases. The experts proffered the solutions during the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) on Friday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, which will hold from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, was with the theme, ‘Transforming Healthcare Systems in Africa: Sustainable Lifestyle Medicine Strategies’. The President of SOLONg, Dr. Moyosore Makinde, stated that the theme was apt in addressing Africa’s healthcare landscape. Makinde, a Consultant Family Physician, highlighted that the continent’s health sector is overwhelmed by chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and depressive disorders. She attributed the prevalence of these conditions to unhealthy behaviors, includi
ng poor nutrition, physical inactivity, sleep deprivation, substance abuse, stress, and toxic relationships.
Dr. Makinde emphasized that the solution lies in lifestyle medicine, describing it as a transformative approach poised to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic conditions. She advocated for integrating lifestyle medicine into educational curricula and structured intervention programs, urging institutions, governments, and health organizations to take proactive steps in this direction. By educating individuals from primary school through to postgraduate levels, Dr. Makinde believes a new generation of healthcare leaders can be equipped to transform the healthcare landscape and improve health outcomes across Africa.
Dr. Ifeoma Monye, President of the World Lifestyle Medicine Organisation and also a Consultant Family Physician, noted the increasing incidence of lifestyle-related chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. She argued that traditional healthcare approaches are insuff
icient, positioning lifestyle medicine as a revolutionary approach to health and well-being. Dr. Monye introduced the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, encapsulated by the acronym ‘DREAMS’, as key strategies for a healthier, happier, and longer life. These pillars include diet, relationships, exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, mental health, stress management, and regular medical check-ups.
Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), emphasized that adequate knowledge of lifestyle medicine could facilitate the prevention of chronic diseases among health practitioners. Represented by Dr. Lydia Aborishade from the Directorate of Clinical Services and Training at LASUTH, Prof. Fabamwo urged medical professionals to prioritize educating their patients on critical aspects such as diet, exercise, stress management, and healthy interactions.