Nigerian society advocates prevention of chronic diseases with lifestyle medicine

Amidst the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg) has called for a shift in the nation’s approach to healthcare, advocating for prevention through lifestyle medicine.

According to the President of SOLONG, Moyosore Makinde, decades of research confirm that unhealthy behaviours, including poor nutrition, physical inactivity, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse, are the primary drivers of chronic diseases.

Ms Makinde, a consultant family physician highlighted this at a media briefing for SOLONG’s 6th annual International Scientific Conference, themed, ‘Transforming Healthcare Systems in Africa: Sustainable Lifestyle Medicine Strategies,’ being held in Lagos from 28 to 30 November.

Ms Makinde, who is also an international board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, noted that the increasing challenge of NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders “have overwhelmed Africa’s healthcare systems.”

Importance of lifestyle medicine

The SOLONG President observed the need for a radical transformation in Nigeria’s medical approach, noting that “We
can
no
longer
just
 manage
symptoms;
we
must
address
the
root
causes
of
disease.”

Ms Makinde 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.

Collective responsibility

Also speaking at the press conference, the Chairman of SOLONg’s Board of Trustees, Ifeoma Monye, acknowledged the significant work needed to promote lifestyle medicine and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility.

Ms Monye, a chief consultant family and lifestyle physician, noted that lifestyle
medicine
empowers
individuals
and
communities
to
take
control
of
their
health

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She said apart from the DREAM approach, “other
strategies
to
focus include the
social
determinants
of
health,
as
well
as
the
reality
of
climate
crisis
and
communal
clashes,
without
which
our
efforts
to
spread
the
message
of
lifestyle
medicine
may
not
achieve
the
desired
transformative
results.”

Lifestyle conference

The three-day conference will feature keynote speakers exploring various sub-themes on innovative strategies for improving healthcare systems in Africa through sustainable lifestyle medicine approaches.

The conference, according to SOLONG, serves as a platform for medical professionals and researchers to discuss advancements in lifestyle medicine.

“Over
the
coming
days,
we
will
hear
from
experts,
share
best
practices,
and
explore
innovative
approaches
that
can
help
us
integrate
lifestyle
medicine
into
mainstream
healthcare
across
Nigeria
 and
Africa,” Ms Monye said.