5th ISLMCON2024: Need to embed lifestyle medicine in public health strategies: Experts

Srinagar, Oct 07: The Indian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ISLM) successfully hosted its 5th Annual International Conference (ISLMCON2024) in New Delhi, bringing together healthcare professionals, experts and thought leaders from across India and the globe to discuss the growing role of lifestyle medicine in modern healthcare systems.
The event saw active participation from renowned speakers, practitioners, and academicians, making it a landmark gathering in the field of lifestyle medicine.
Maj Gen Prof. Atul Kotwal, Executive Director of National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), medical professional, public health researcher attended the conference as chief guest.
He shared his insights on the need to embed lifestyle medicine in public health strategies and its relevance to achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes while integrating with already existing Health programs and strategies to fight chronic diseases.
Prof. Kotwal explained the transformational changes under the four pillars of Ayushman Bharat programme of GoI especially at Ayushman Arogya Mandir level and infrastructure enhancement under AB-PM-ABHIM.
In his Presidential Address, Dr. Rabbanie Tariq, President of ISLM, underscored the urgent need to shift healthcare paradigms from reactive to preventive models. He highlighted the critical role of Lifestyle Medicine in addressing the global epidemic of chronic diseases, which are largely driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and unmanaged stress.
He emphasized ISLM’s commitment to promoting evidence-based lifestyle interventions as a means to enhance the overall well-being of individuals and communities.
The conference featured a comprehensive program that included a diverse range of sessions, touching on key areas of Lifestyle Medicine such as physician wellness, mental health, technology in cardiac rehabilitation, neurology & lifestyle medicine, health coaching, nutrition, women’s health, lifestyle Medicine in Health Systems and so on.
The conference also featured an international perspective with prominent faculty from Malaysia, the Philippines, United States and Canada, offering insights on how different countries are incorporating lifestyle medicine into their healthcare systems.
A notable highlight was the keynote session by Dr. Shiv K Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi who delivered an inspiring talk on gut health and metabolic syndrome, showcasing innovative approaches to managing GIT diseases through lifestyle interventions.
The Organizing Secretaries Dr Veenu Sharma & Dr Shefali of ISLMCON2024 expressed their gratitude while extending their appreciation to Maj Gen Prof Atul Kotwal for accepting the invitation as chief guest for ISLMCON2024 and Dr SK Sarin for delivering the keynote session.
The esteemed speakers, international faculty, and the numerous delegates who contributed to the success of the conference were also thanked for their contribution to making the conference an achievable insight. They also acknowledged the efforts of the ISLM team, volunteers, and partners for their hard work in making the event a grand success.
The Secretary, ISLM- Dr Lakshmi Sundar said the conference marks a major step forward in advocating for lifestyle medicine as a key pillar of healthcare in India and around the world.
The annual gathering was a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, education, and promotion of healthy, evidence-based practices aimed at preventing and managing chronic diseases.