Seminar on the Role of Nutrition in Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Hosted by: Alliance Pakistan
Date: Feb 06, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Sector I-8/4 Islamabad
Event Overview:
The Alliance for Good Governance Foundation hosted a seminar focusing on the pivotal role nutrition plays in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Health professionals from across Pakistan, along with international experts, came together to discuss topics such as balanced diets, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and the importance of research-based health policies. The event highlighted the urgent need for public awareness about nutrition and its impact on overall health, especially in preventing non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Convener of the Alliance for Good Governance Foundation, opened the seminar, stressing the foundation’s commitment to public health awareness and reforms in the health sector. He underscored the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and the role of a healthy diet in preventing them.
Prof. Dr. Col. Shakeel Ahmed MirzaRenowned GastroenterologistRecommended reducing carbohydrate intake, increasing protein consumption, and replacing processed foods with natural alternatives. He also advocated for taxing sugary drinks and regulating high-fat, high-sodium foods for better public health.Dr. Asmara AliGynecologistUrged participants to include more vegetables, meat, barley porridge, milk, and eggs in their diets. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined sleep routine for optimal health.Prof. Dr. Naveed IqbalUrologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Head of Urology and Renal Transplant at Jinnah Hospital, LahoreWarned about excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly for individuals with kidney and bladder issues. He emphasized the importance of hydration for overall health.Dr. ParvezAgricultural Advisor to the Abu Dhabi GovernmentSuggested promoting rooftop vegetable gardens and encouraging children to adopt vegetable-based diets as sustainable practices.Dr. Halima ShahidGynecologistEmphasized the importance of personalized nutrition based on individual needs and highlighted the role of mothers in shaping their children’s eating habits.Dr. Zubair AbdullahHealth Policy Expert (joined via Zoom from the U.S.)Advocated for improving data collection and research to enhance health policy-making and recommended better regulation of cooking oil quality in Pakistan.Dr. FatimaNutritionistProposed introducing balanced diet awareness programs in schools and suggested that 80% of daily food intake should consist of natural, unprocessed foods.
Shabbir Hussain emphasized the importance of listening to health experts in today’s digital age, where information on home remedies is widely circulated. He encouraged the audience to discern what is beneficial for their well-being and what should be avoided, expressing confidence that the seminar would bring about positive changes for the people.
The seminar concluded with a call for stronger research mechanisms, transparent food labeling practices, and heightened public awareness to ensure access to accurate nutritional information. The event highlighted the need for collaboration between health experts, policymakers, and the public to create a healthier society.