The Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has called for adopting integrated, sustainable healthcare solutions across the African continent and also emphasized the importance of lifestyle medicine in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
The call was made at the SOLONg’s 6th International Scientific Conference themed: “Transforming Healthcare Systems in Africa: Sustainable Lifestyle Medicine Strategies.”
The three-day conference, which commenced with a press conference on November 28, 2024, gathered together healthcare professionals, experts, and advocates to discuss the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa and the potential solutions through lifestyle medicine.
While addressing journalists, Dr. Moyosore Makinde, the president of SOLONg and a Consultant Family Physician, highlighted the alarming rise of NCDs in Africa, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue.
Dr Makinde, an International Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, also emphasized the importance of lifestyle medicine in preventing and managing chronic diseases.
She emphasized the increasing challenge of NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, and underscored the pivotal role of preventive care.
She outlined the conference’s central approach to lifestyle medicine, introducing the acronym “DREAMS” as a framework for health promotion. DREAMS, according to her, stands for “Diet, Relationships with People, Exercise, Avoidance of risky substances, Mental wellness, and Sleep.”
“The lifestyle medicine approach offers a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to prevent and manage NCDs. It empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being, helping to build healthier communities across the continent,” she added.
Doctor Ifeoma Monye, the Chairman of SOLONg’s Board of Trustees, who joined virtually, also acknowledged the significant work needed to promote lifestyle medicine and emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“We have a lot of ground to cover, and everyone’s responsibilities are crucial,” she said, and stressed the popular acronym “TEAM,” which stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More.”
According to her, the phrase underscored the need for collaboration and teamwork in advancing the cause of lifestyle medicine.
Prof. Diuto Esiobu, a founding member BoT, who spoke about the importance of being a member of SOLONg shared that knowledge gained from the society can be used for personal benefit, as well as for family members and the community.