Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) recently concluded its eighth annual Lifestyle Medicine Week, a program aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of preventative healthcare and adopting healthy habits. The week-long initiative, culminating in a “Kick-Off a Healthier Lifestyle” event, promoted strategies to combat chronic diseases through lifestyle changes. The events took place at WCM-Q’s Doha campus, running throughout the week of November 27th, 2023. This event underlines Qatar’s increasing focus on public health initiatives and preventative care.
The initiative was launched to address the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses globally, including in Qatar. Factors contributing to this trend include sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of obesity, as noted by the World Health Organization. Lifestyle Medicine Week intends to provide resources and encouragement for individuals to proactively manage their health through evidence-based strategies.
Understanding the Importance of Lifestyle Medicine
Lifestyle medicine is an emerging field advocating nutritional, physical, and psychological interventions to prevent and treat disease. According to WCM-Q officials, the core pillars of lifestyle medicine—healthy diet, regular physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, and strong social connections—are essential for overall wellbeing. The “Kick-Off a Healthier Lifestyle” event provided interactive experiences centered around these principles.
Interactive Activities & Community Engagement
The opening event featured several activities designed to promote a holistic approach to health. Participants engaged in sessions focused on physical activity, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques. These workshops aimed to demonstrate practical steps individuals can take to improve their daily routines.
Additionally, the program utilized online competitions to broaden its reach and encourage deeper engagement in lifestyle medicine. The “Cornell Cook Off,” for example, challenged participants to create and share healthy recipes via video submissions.
The “Say Yes to Life” campaign addressed the risks associated with tobacco and other addictive behaviours. Participants submitted creative content—photos, infographics, memes, and posters—aiming to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of these substances. This component specifically targets preventative measures relating to public health concerns.
Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, Professor of Population Health Sciences and Vice Dean for Population Health and Lifestyle Medicine at WCM-Q, emphasized the institution’s dedication to fostering healthier lifestyles within both individuals and the broader community. He believes a thorough understanding of the connection between lifestyle choices and chronic disease prevention is crucial for a healthier future.
Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Associate Professor of Clinical Population Health Sciences and Assistant Dean at IPH, highlighted the educational value of Lifestyle Medicine Week. She expressed gratitude for the continued interest and participation from the Qatar community, noting this is the eighth year of the program’s success.
The program also subtly promoted the concept of wellness, extending beyond disease prevention to encompass improved quality of life and mental health. This broader perspective aligns with global health trends focused on well-being as a fundamental human right.
Looking ahead, WCM-Q plans to continue its commitment to lifestyle medicine. Future initiatives will likely incorporate further research into the effectiveness of various interventions, as well as expanded community outreach programs. The Institute for Population Health will evaluate the impact of this year’s programs to inform the scope and focus of Lifestyle Medicine Week 2024, likely scheduled for a similar timeframe. Continued monitoring of participation rates and reported lifestyle changes will be key to assessing the long-term effectiveness of these efforts.
