PALM SUB-DOMAINS
Systems-Based Approach to Advancing Lifestyle Medicine in Pakistan
Embedded Files
In the face of escalating health challenges, the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM) recognizes the urgent need to address the root causes of disease and promote whole-person care.
To advance this vision, the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM) has established 10 strategic specialized sub-domains led by expert focal persons, each focusing on a key area of Lifestyle Medicine that aligns with health priorities in Pakistan. Each Subdomain addresses a critical pillar of health through the lens of evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine.
These sub-domains serve as knowledge hubs, innovation centers, and action arms—bringing interdisciplinary experts together to catalyze change across clinical practice, community health, public policy, and professional education.
1-Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Focal Persons: Dr. Munira Abbasi / Dr Ahsen Imran
Scope: Prevention, management, and reversal of diseases of lifestyle origin, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity.
Rationale: Pakistan faces a looming NCD crisis, with lifestyle-related diseases now accounting for nearly 60% of mortality. This sub-domain champions the integration of whole-food nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress regulation, and tobacco/alcohol cessation into mainstream care.
2- Holistic Health of Mother and Child
Focal Persons: Dr. Kanwal Qaisar / Dr Shahbano Adil
Scope: Promoting maternal-fetal health, lactation support, early childhood development, and intergenerational well-being.
Rationale: The first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—lay the foundation for lifelong health. Addressing maternal nutrition, stress, sleep, and physical activity improves outcomes for both mother and child.
3- Nurturing Women’s Health
Focal Person: Dr. Shazia Ali / Samar Hashmi
Scope: Lifestyle-based approaches for hormonal balance, reproductive health, mental well-being, and disease prevention in women across the lifespan.
Rationale: Women’s health is often underrepresented in research and policy. This sub-domain advocates for gender-specific care models informed by both evidence and empathy.
4- Public Health and Community Wellness
Focal Person: Dr. Ashraf Chaudhry / Dr. Tahira Sadiq
Scope: Community-based interventions, health literacy campaigns, and policy engagement to address social determinants of health.
Rationale: Health behaviors are shaped by context. Empowering communities to co-create health-promoting environments leads to more sustainable, equitable outcomes.
5- Positive Psychology and Behavioural Coaching
Focal Person: Samia Khalid
Scope: Empowering individuals through motivation science, resilience training, and behavior change strategies.
Rationale: Sustainable health change is not just about knowledge—it requires belief, purpose, and support. Lifestyle Medicine coaching draws from cognitive behavioral science and positive psychology to cultivate lasting transformation.
6- Planetary and Environmental Health
Focal Person: - Dr. Sadia Fazal / Dr. Aysha Mushtaq
Themes: Green entrepreneurship, climate-conscious healthcare, youth-led sustainability initiatives
Scope: Addressing the interconnectedness of planetary and human health through education, advocacy, and ecological responsibility.
Rationale: The health of our ecosystems directly affects air quality, food systems, mental well-being, and infectious disease risk. This domain promotes a ‘One Health’ approach, integrating environmental stewardship with clinical action.
7- Personalised Lifestyle Medicine
Focal Person: Dr. Saima Umair
Scope: A person-centered lifestyle prescriptions tailored to individual risk profiles, values, and health goals.
Rationale: Emerging research in epigenetics and precision health highlights the need for tailored interventions. This sub-domain equips clinicians with tools to personalize nutrition, physical activity, and mind-body strategies across life stages.
8- Culinary Medicine
Focal Person: Dr. Shagufta Feroz
Themes: Circadian-aligned nutrition, personalized therapeutic plates
Scope: Teaching the practical application of nutrition science in kitchens, clinics, and communities.
Rationale: Food is the most powerful modifiable determinant of health. Culinary Medicine bridges clinical expertise with cultural and behavioral insights, enabling individuals to prepare meals that heal.
9-Purposeful Ageing and Longevity
Revival of Hunza Longevity Zone
Focal Person: Dr. Mohammad Zia Abbas
Scope: Promoting vitality, cognitive health, and social connection among older adults.
Rationale: Healthy ageing is more than disease management—it’s about purpose, mobility, and meaningful connection. This domain draws from Blue Zones research and geroscience to enhance quality of life across the lifespan.
10-Next Generation Leadership in Lifestyle Medicine
Focal Person: Dr Abeera Zainab
Scope: Empowering medical students, young professionals, and early-career health leaders to innovate, advocate, and lead in LM.
Rationale: The future of medicine lies in prevention. This sub-domain cultivates emerging voices to carry forward the mission of health transformation through lifestyle-based care.
Why These Sub-Domains Matter
Context-Specific Innovation: Tailored to Pakistan’s unique healthcare challenges and cultural context
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Bridging medicine, public health, psychology, environmental science, and education
Sustainable Health Impact: Addressing root causes, not just symptoms, to improve long-term outcomes
Global Relevance: Aligned with WHO goals, SDGs, and global Lifestyle Medicine frameworks.
Together, these sub-domains form the backbone of PALM’s commitment to whole-person, whole-society health transformation.
Join us in shaping the future of health scientifically, sustainably, and compassionately.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse