KUALA LUMPUR: Practising lifestyle medicine can contribute to immune system resilience against chronic and contagious diseases such as Covid-19, said Malaysian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (MSLM) founder and president Dr Sivaneswaran Poobalasingam.
Speaking at the 3rd Malaysian Lifestyle Medicine Conference, he said exploring lifestyle medicine and its innovative approaches could revolutionise healthcare and transform lives.
The conference, themed “Prevent, Treat and Reverse Chronic Diseases with Evidence-Based Lifestyle Medicine”, was held recently at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel.
“Research shows people who have chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from Covid-19.
“To decrease the risk of Covid-19 infection, one must ensure not to get chronic diseases.”
He said the key to preventing chronic diseases is to boost the immune system by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
“A healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean you must be a vegetarian. But three-quarters of a meal should consist of plant-based foods and only a quarter portion comprising meat.
“Once your immune system is strong, the chances of getting chronic diseases and even contracting Covid-19 is lower.”
He said it is important to engage in regular physical activity, manage stress, avoid substance abuse, ensure adequate sleep and foster healthy relationships to strengthen one’s immune system.
Sivaneswaran said MSLM is working on introducing lifestyle medicine at public health facilities in Malaysia.
“We are creating the ‘Lifestyle Medicine For Remission of Diabetes Module’ and training healthcare professionals at public healthcare facilities.”
He added that Malaysia is probably the first country to incorporate a lifestyle intervention programme into the public healthcare system.
He said the pioneering initiative in Negeri Sembilan marks a significant milestone and has the potential for replication in other public primary care facilities.
“It could play a crucial role in preventing, managing and reversing Type 2 diabetes. Advancing healthcare through lifestyle medicine is a leap towards a healthier and more vibrant future for the country.”
Sivaneswaran also said MSLM is in talks with several universities to develop a curriculum to nurture a new generation of healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of lifestyle medicine.
“We will start by introducing lifestyle medicine as a module in our undergraduate curriculum. The curriculum will train new doctors, healthcare professionals, nurses and nutritionists in incorporating it into their field of studies.”
