Session 2: Balancing Lives: Lifestyle, Wellness, and Health Equity
This session will explore how lifestyle (such as diet, exercise, stress management, etc.) profoundly influences overall wellness and health outcomes, while also scrutinizing potential variations in these impacts across diverse population groups. Additionally, the session will examine the key lifestyle factors contributing to health disparities and strategies to effectively address them, including the exploration of innovative technologies and interventions to promote healthier choices. Furthermore, participants will discuss the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, public health experts, educators, and community leaders in tackling health disparities linked to lifestyle choices. Lastly, the session will consider promising policy changes aimed at advancing equitable access to wellness resources and reducing health disparities related to lifestyle factors. In this session, important questions to be discussed are:
- How do lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, impact overall wellness and health outcomes, and do these impacts vary among different population groups?
- What are the key lifestyle factors that contribute to health disparities, and how can these disparities be effectively addressed?
- Are there innovative technologies or interventions that can help individuals make healthier lifestyle choices, especially in communities with limited resources?
- How can interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals, public health experts, educators, and community leaders be strengthened to tackle health disparities related to lifestyle choices?
- What policy changes have shown promise in promoting equitable access to wellness resources and reducing health disparities associated with lifestyle factors?
Moderator:
Dr. Pimsupa Puthipiroj M.D.,
General practitioner at Health Deliver and Pulse Clinic
Speakers:
Important points:
- Health disparities: There are significant differences in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy between genders and across different regions in Thailand.
- Risk factors: Identified major risk factors contributing to health issues, including tobacco use, high blood pressure, alcohol use, and poor diet.
- Innovative approaches:
a) Using AI and technology to provide personalized health information
b) Developing apps to calculate health scores and life expectancy
c) Promoting data-driven society to enable communities to understand and address their health challenges
d) Emphasizing spiritual health and happiness beyond materialism as a solution to health inequalities
1. Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon,
CEO of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation
Important points:
- Awareness of wellness: Understanding how the body works and the importance of balance in health is crucial.
- Key practices for wellness:
a) Yoga therapy
b) Pranayama (breathing techniques)
c) Meditation
d) Proper diet - Wellness measurement: Proposed the idea of measuring a country's wellness index, similar to GDP per capita, but factoring in the feeling of wellness and happiness.
2. Mr. Thibault Danjou,
International Consultant, Member of the Investment Committee of Phitrust Asia, Expert for the European Commission, MBA University of Chicago
Important points:
- Dimensions of health: Physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected and equally important for overall well-being.
- Strategies for achieving balance:
a) Prioritize important activities
b) Set boundaries
c) Practice mindfulness
d) Stay physically active
e) Maintain relationships
f) Seek professional help when needed - Health equity: Addressing social determinants of health and systemic issues is crucial for ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve optimal health.
3. Dr.Prapa Wongphaet M.D.,
President of Thai Medical and Wellness Tourism Association (TMWTA)
Important points:
- Six pillars of lifestyle medicine: Includes whole food plant-based diet, physical activities, stress management, sleep health, substance avoidance, and positive psychology/social connectedness.
- Seven strategies for strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration:
a) Establishing interprofessional education programs
b) Implementing multidisciplinary team meetings
c) Utilizing electronic health records
d) Creating interdisciplinary community health initiatives e) Conducting collaborative research and quality improvement projects
f) Developing interdisciplinary practice guidelines
g) Implementing interdisciplinary case management programs - Collaboration on a national level: The Thai Lifestyle Medicine and Well-being Association is working with 22 organizations to integrate lifestyle medicine approaches into healthcare practices throughout Thailand.
Capt. (Ret.) Dr. Yongyuth Mayalarp,
President of Thai Lifestyle Medicine and Wellbeing Association (TLWA), Director of Corporate Communication and Healthcare Promotion, Phyathai and Paolo Groups of Hospitals