https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Feb 5 (Alliance News): The Alliance for Good Governance Foundation hosted a seminar focused on the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Health professionals from across Pakistan, along with international experts, gathered to discuss the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and research-based health policies.
Dr. Tariq Mehmood, convener of the Alliance Foundation, opened the seminar by emphasizing the need for public awareness on nutrition and the foundation’s commitment to health sector reforms.
He stressed that a healthy diet is central to preventing non-communicable diseases, which are becoming as prevalent as infectious diseases.
Leading physician Prof. Dr Col. Shakeel Ahmed Mirza, renowned Gastroenterologist, recommended reducing carbohydrate intake, eating more protein, and shifting from processed foods to natural alternatives.
He also proposed taxing sugary drinks and regulating high-fat, high-sodium foods to improve public health.
Dr. Asmara Ali, a gynecologist, encouraged participants to include more vegetables, meat, barley porridge, milk, and eggs in their diets. She also stressed the importance of following a disciplined sleep routine for better overall health.
Prof. Dr. Naveed Iqbal, a distinguished Urologist and Renal Transplant Surgeon, Head of the Urology and Renal Transplant Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, warned about excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly for those with kidney and bladder issues.
He highlighted that proper hydration is key to maintaining good health.
Dr. Parvez, an agricultural advisor from Abu Dhabi, suggested promoting rooftop vegetable gardens and introducing children to vegetable-based diets as sustainable practices.
Dr. Halima Shahid, a gynecologist, emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition based on individual needs. She also pointed out that mothers play a crucial role in shaping their children’s eating habits.
Health policy expert Dr. Zubair Abdullah, joining via Zoom from the U.S., stressed the importance of improving data collection and research for effective health policy-making. He also called for better regulation of cooking oil quality in Pakistan.
Nutritionist Dr. Fatima proposed introducing balanced diet awareness programs in schools and recommended that 80% of daily food intake should consist of natural, unprocessed foods.
The seminar concluded with a call for stronger research mechanisms and transparent labeling practices to ensure that the public has access to accurate nutritional information.
Moderating the seminar, Shabbir Hussain emphasized the significance of listening to health experts in today’s digital era, where information on home remedies for health is widely shared.
He highlighted the importance of discerning what is beneficial for well-being and what should be avoided.
Shabbir Hussain expressed confidence that this seminar would bring about positive changes for the people.
