Medic urges Nigerians to embrace lifestyle medicine to live long

Dr Ifeoma Monye, a medical practitioner has called on Nigerians to embrace lifestyle medicine as a paradigm shift from tablets, for long and healthy living.

Monye, the founder of Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONG) made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

She stressed that lifestyle medicine is helpful as preventive and reversal interventions for illnesses and key to long and healthy living.

Lifestyle Medicine, according to the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), is “the evidence-based therapeutic approach to prevent, treat and reverse lifestyle-related chronic diseases.

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“It is a branch of medicine dealing with research, prevention and treatment of disorders caused by lifestyle factors such as nutrition, physical inactivity and chronic stress.’’

Giving an example of lifestyle medicine, Monye said “people are encouraged to drink a lot of water because it helps the kidney, liver and sensitive organs in the body to function well.

“Movement and mobile intensity is very necessary in line with World Health Organisation’s recommendations.’’

The medic, who is also the founder of the Brookfield Centre for Lifestyle Medicine stressed that lifestyle medicine is preferable to conventional medicine

She asserted the potency of lifestyle medicine to prevent or reverse diseases including diabetes type two, hypertension, mental health issues, cancer and HIV/AIDS.

Monye, therefore, urged the people to always apply for lifestyle medicine first before conventional medicine in order to always stay healthy.

She also urged medical practitioners and the public to actively participate in lifestyle medicine for enhanced wellbeing, irrespective of their history.

Monye assured that SOLONG would continue to encourage people to embrace behavioural changes needed for healthy living.