Even scientists now endorse the age-old maxim 'it’s not about the years in your life, but the life in your years.' With A4M researchers claiming that over 50 percent of people above 65 are less concerned about how long they live, but rather about the quality of life put into those extra years, it’s time to arrest the spate of lifestyle diseases affecting increasingly younger people. Devleena Chatterjee talks to experts about how to resolve these health issues affecting over 40 percent of the regional population.
Globally, according to a survey by the John Hopkins School of Medicine, over 16 percent of women over the age of 50 suffer from heart-related diseases, and over 12 percent of men over 55 report the same. Over 30 percent of these women cite a combination of professional stress, fatigue, insufficient exercise, and a diet laden with high-glycaemic, processed foods as the main culprit. Nearly 25 percent of these men claim smoking, alcohol, processed foods, and irregular exercise as the chief causes. Regionally, nearly 48 percent of the local population suffers from diabetes and obesity, with a 2 percent increase from 2013-14. 'Diabesity' (diabetes resulting from obesity) has almost reached endemic proportions in the UAE and the GCC overall. Lifestyle indiscipline does breed evil after all.
Dr. Dietrich Baumgart
A heart specialist, internist, and specialist in preventive medicine, Dr. Dietrich Baumgart focuses on treating patients holistically—mind, body, and soul. He emphasizes the importance of in-depth dialogue not only about medical factors but also about a patient's life as a key component for long-term wellbeing. "How much we exercise and what we eat, whether we are able to relax and how, what kind of burdens and stressors we cope with – are factors that have effects on the body," he states. Dr. Baumgart feels privileged to positively influence people's lives as a physician, changing them for the better. "Poor nutrition and irregular and insufficient exercise are usually easy to diagnose. Blood tests and body composition measurements yield first indications; whilst stress is harder to accurately measure." One method for gauging someone's mental stress level is measuring heart rate variability (HRV), which shows the ratio of sympathetic to parasympathetic activity and how well the heart adapts to varying stressors.
Sensible advice for optimal wellness
Prof. Baumgart motivates patients to listen closely to their bodies. He advises regular exercise and testing physical limits and endurance. "The less we use our bodies, the faster our body awareness dwindles. This is often a problem in modern industrial societies, where many people work all day seated at a computer," he explains. He also focuses on the importance of mindfulness, with specific exercises to strengthen awareness, especially breathing exercises. Steady slow breathing with six inhalation and exhalation cycles per minute is ideal, leading to the synchronization of breath, blood pressure waves, and heart rate variability, which optimally regenerates the body. His German practice offers the latest in medical technology to encompass every aspect of optimal vitality. For instance, patients can see for themselves, on the basis of measurements, that their vessels are already losing elasticity or view images of their complete vascular system, providing convincing corroboration for his recommendations. "When I diagnose the first signs of disease, patients simultaneously receive a specific treatment plan from us. This ranges from a diet plan to balance the metabolism or an exercise plan or even medication or interventional therapy."
Tests, protocols used
Prof. Baumgart offers his patients a comprehensive interdisciplinary medical check-up every two years to ensure that basic markers such as blood tests, blood pressure, EKG, and ultrasound are tracked. Patients with individual medical issues are monitored carefully, addressing specific concerns such as prostate health, fat metabolism, or kidney function.
Challenges for the healthcare, pharma, and food industries
An ex-long distance runner who now advocates for regular moderate exercise, Dr. Baumgart believes health insurance companies could do more in terms of prevention and early detection, noting that they tend to focus on providing information and funding courses but hesitate to support innovative early-detection opportunities. He also suggests customizing pharma offerings, emphasizing that too little attention is paid to differences between the sexes in treatment. Despite recognized biological differences, 75 percent of all medical studies are carried out solely with male subjects, and few medications come with gender-specific dosage instructions. Dr. Baumgart points out that some active ingredients work completely differently in women than in men. He also highlights the importance of reducing sugar content in beverages and food products geared toward children to prevent obesity and numerous lifestyle diseases.
Tools, supplements, and habits for optimal health
Prof. Baumgart believes in regular, gentle exercise, enjoying golf and moderate running. While not prescribing an ascetic life, he limits his carbohydrates and red meat intake and allows for the occasional drink, but considers smoking taboo. "In my profession, I can’t always avoid stress completely. But I try to counterbalance stressful periods with active relaxation," he concludes.
Dr. Ömer Özerdem
Associate professor of aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Ömer Özerdem, breaks down his key rules for optimal longevity. He believes that looking and feeling ten years younger is not only a question of vanity; for many busy professionals, looking vibrant is a marker of career longevity. “Aesthetics and plastic surgery increase self-esteem with a positive impact on productivity and performance on the job as people work better when they look better,” he says. Dr. Ömer also notes that some people require aesthetic interventions to start a new life after a life-changing experience, such as rigorous cancer therapy or post-retirement. He believes that surgical interventions are more effective than non-surgical methods, which work better on younger patients with better skin laxity or as ancillary procedures after surgery. He emphasizes that it is factually incorrect to claim that one method is superior to another in the field of aesthetics, as all can provide visible results after a couple of sessions.
Training is key
With competition being fierce in the industry, cosmetic surgeons must differentiate their practice from others in terms of outcomes, but this has never been an issue for Dr. Ömer. “I do my job well and I compete with myself to be a better surgeon every day. This approach has benefited me in the long term.” Adequate training, Board certification, and years of surgical experience have all helped him become the surgeon he is today.
Learn to say no!
There are cases when Dr. Ömer has turned away prospective patients because he believes that realistic expectations are crucial before opting for surgery. “If I realize that a patient is unprepared and not ready for surgery, I refuse to operate and apologize for that because simply put, I am a doctor, not a magician." If he feels that the patient would not be satisfied after an operation even after explaining what a possible outcome could be, he would be hesitant to go ahead. With possible risks with every surgery, he “cannot guarantee that there will be no wound healing problems in a smoker, for instance. If the patient does not understand or accept the possible results, they are not good or eligible candidates for operation.”
Laser cosmetic surgery Vs. the scalpel
Dr. Ömer says that though laser is being touted as the latest ‘big thing’ in surgery, he does not immediately foresee a time when the scalpel will become obsolete. “Laser has greatly contributed to aesthetics, but lasers are not a ‘magical intervention’. Contrary to popular belief, lasers do not always deliver a better result. It basically entails light energy which converts to heat which is then absorbed by specific tissues. So laser simply burns a skin lesion, and another option would be to simply excise it surgically.” He explains that both scenarios leave a scar behind, but a surgeon could only conduct a microscopic exam with the latter option, making surgical excision superior for skin lesions requiring microscopic examination.
Inspiring Surgical Innovations
Advancements in hair transplantation surgery have greatly impressed Dr. Ömer. At the beginning of his career, hair transplants were performed as mini-grafts that did not look natural. Then micro-grafts entered the scene. Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques changed lives and created new jobs and opportunities like hair technicians. Additionally, face lifting techniques have evolved significantly with more understanding of local anatomy and technological developments, making these operations safer, quicker, and with less downtime.
Tools, supplements, and habits for optimal health
Dr. Ömer stresses the importance of continuous learning, training, and technological advancement in medicine. Learning from experienced peers is crucial. He advises that not every new device or method is better than the previous. “When I am offered a new device, I simply say that I would not use it before I see endorsement by reputable medical authorities or before I see the long-term results of clinical studies.”
Dr. Jamal Jomah
Consultant plastic surgeon at Medical Arts Clinic, Dr. Jamal Jomah, explains how innovations in science, including the use of one’s own blood (autologous blood injection) to renew the complexion, can delay the facial ageing process indefinitely.
The Vampire facelift
Platelets are small blood components produced in the bone marrow for normal clotting. When activated, these platelets release several proteins and growth factors, increasing collagen formation, skin tightening, and overall renewal. PRP therapy uses platelet-rich plasma, which are platelets and plasma taken from a small sample of a person’s blood, to stimulate collagen and improve the skin's texture and elasticity. According to Dr. Jamal Jomah, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon and the General Secretary of Emirates Plastic Surgery Society, “PRP Injection is a revolutionary medical technology used in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, as well as in the aesthetic medicine field.”
Is it safe?
PRP Injection is a safe, natural, and effective treatment for skin regeneration and rejuvenation. It softens fine lines and wrinkles and helps in hair regeneration. “It is a quick, relatively painless procedure that requires minimal to no post care or time off from work. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising fades within one to three days," Dr. Jamal added.
Ultrasmooth with Ultherapy
How is Ultherapy different from a facelift?
Ultherapy is the latest non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment that uses ultrasound to bypass the surface of the skin and delivers heat to stimulate new collagen and the renewal of existing collagen, resulting in the tightening and lifting of the skin over time. Dr. Jamal clarifies, “It is the only FDA-cleared procedure to lift the eyebrow, neck, and under-chin.”
Is Ultherapy regulated?
With the addition of the new Décolletage Treatment, Ultherapy is also now the only non-invasive procedure specifically indicated by the FDA to improve lines and wrinkles on the chest. While it is not a replacement for surgery, Ulthera is a good alternative for those who are not physically, psychologically, and financially ready for surgery or for patients looking to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.
Patrick Holford
Globally renowned nutritionist and author of numerous international bestsellers, Patrick Holford, tells NewYou how he stays in optimal shape.
Mind-body connection
After 30 years of research, Patrick concluded that what is good for the mind, in terms of nutrition, is also good for the body. "My healthy lifestyle, with a low GL diet, daily supplements, 15 minutes of exercise a day, plus the same for meditation, is good for mind, body, and soul." According to him, one of the most telling discoveries of science today is telomeres at the end of chromosomes. Patrick explains, “These are like the hard bit on the end of shoelaces.” Notably, when people run out of telomere length, they die. Recent research shows that stress and cynicism shorten telomere length, while exercise, meditation, omega-3s, B vitamins, and low homocysteine are all associated with longer telomeres.
Does mediocre health equal the absence of illness?
People tend to be motivated by immediate pain and future fears of disease, so helping people realize that what they do now can protect them from diseases in the future is the first step in the right direction. For example, avoiding obesity is as important for reducing cancer as avoiding cigarettes. Patrick says they have assessment techniques and tests to see how close a person is to 100% healthy. "My online 100% health check is a great example. People actually find out concretely where there is room for improvement. Also, they can take this one step further by measuring function.” He explains this with an example of measuring blood homocysteine levels to determine how good patients are at methylation, a vital biochemical process that requires B vitamins. The optimal level is below 6mmol/l. Another measure is HbA1c, where a score below 5 percent indicates perfect blood sugar control. He is confident that in the future, these will become part of a functional and preventive medicine approach.
Implications for the healthcare, pharma, and food industries
The medical industry is in bed with big pharma companies, and governments rely on their taxes as well as the taxes earned from the food industry. Patrick questions how governments and the medical profession have allowed public health to degenerate so appallingly when it is obvious that processed, sweetened, and refined foods are to blame. “As healthcare costs soar worldwide, there will come a point where something has to be done. It is a shame we have to wait until it is almost too late, with lifetime cancer risk now one in three and diabetes numbers going through the roof. We are digging our own graves with a knife and fork.” Perhaps the solution lies in taxing sugar and spending some money educating doctors and bringing in more nutritionists into healthcare.
Tools, supplements, and habits for optimal health
Patrick monitors himself using his own 100% health check and ensures that he stays above 90%. He also checks his homocysteine level, which was 4.3 last time, the average of a six-year-old. He keeps himself reasonably fit and flexible, stating, “I’m as flexible now, at 57, as I was as a teenager.” He acknowledges that his eyesight has deteriorated a little with time and he has gained 10kg since he was 20, so keeping on the low GL approach is a good reminder for him too. He dedicates two days a week to eating less and takes a long hill walk for a couple of hours most weeks, plus active holidays which are a must-have for working professionals.
Nathalie Haddad
Founder and Managing Director of The Right Bite Nutrition and Catering Services, Nathalie Haddad unveils her wellness strategies.
The best diet for people over forties
With all the information in the press and media, it can get quite confusing. What’s important is to keep it simple and focus on eating clean fresh foods. Nathalie advocates avoiding processed foods and including superfoods like quinoa and chia seeds while practicing portion control, emphasizing that “moderation is key.”
Chronological ageing vs. biological ageing
We all know that metabolism is based on muscle mass. “Muscle mass naturally decreases with age unless regular exercise maintains it and people eat properly to maintain this mass,” she explains. A diet that is too strict, along with irregular exercise, results in muscle loss, which in turn slows down metabolism. By focusing on fresh, ‘clean’ high-quality foods with a wide variety of meals from different cuisines, Nathalie unveils her secrets of success.
Eating disorders in this region
Eating disorders are becoming more common in society, and the familiar types such as anorexia and bulimia are not the only issues now. People have become more aware when they do have a problem and ask for help. “The best way is to have a multidisciplinary team approach of health professionals consisting of a dietician, a psychologist, and a general practitioner who’re all experienced in dealing with such scenarios,” she explains.
Less carbs, more essential fats?
Nutritional guidelines have evolved from the pyramid into the plate method that still highlights all the food groups. “I wouldn’t advise totally eliminating carbohydrates from one’s diet.” What is important is the type and quantity of carbs, protein, and fat that one consumes.
Is sugar the enemy?
Sugar is found naturally in fruits, which are good for you as they are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. On the other hand, adding refined white sugar to food is a definite no-no. With sugar, the more it’s consumed, the more your taste buds will start to crave it. Nathalie explains, “You can gradually decrease your sugar intake and get used to not having it as part of your diet altogether.”
Tools, supplements, and habits for optimal health
A balanced diet with five small meals a day is ideal. Starting the day with a litre of water is also essential to flush toxins from the system. “My food is usually from Right Bite or something I have prepared at home or at Nathalie’s Café. We generally stay away from processed and fast food items and try to consume fresh ingredients with lots of vegetables and fruits.” With a weakness for raw nuts, she eats a small handful of raw almonds or walnuts every day. She exercises three times a week and spends active weekends with her husband and daughter, especially when the weather outside is nice.
Dr. Christiane Northrup
A leading authority in the field of women’s health and wellness, Dr. Christiane Northrup shares four tips for empowering people toward vibrant health despite their genes.
Tip 1: People should take notice of how they talk about their health.
Words often become destiny. The words people speak go into their own ears. They literally land on their body, and their cells respond. Instead of speaking about any disease or disability, people should speak positively about what they are capable of doing, how they are supporting themselves, and how they will become as healthy as their words deem them to be.
Tip 2: Acknowledge what diseases run in the family.
It’s important for people to be able to fill out a family history for their medical provider and keep them informed. However, they shouldn't allow this information to take up too much space in their brain, nor should they speak as though it is inevitable that they will end up like a family member who has a particular disease. It is always preferable to maintain a positive outlook.
Tip 3: Use inner wisdom to elevate health legacy to a vibrant level.
Her book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom is all about cultivating inner wisdom to create health. There are many ways to access inner wisdom, such as paying attention to the REM cycle or dreams when asleep, tuning into emotions, the menstrual cycle, or even body energy levels at different times.
Tip 4: People should listen to what their disease is telling them.
They should start listening to their body before disease sets in. If they are already experiencing symptoms, they need to pay attention to what their body is indicating. Acknowledging that lifestyle changes are necessary is the first step. Allowing space for emotions to surface and be released is next.
Dr. Shahuja & Dr. Arun Kumar
Ayurveda, Yoga, and wellness consultants, Dr. Shahuja and Dr. Arun Kumar, share their insights into the mind-body connection and wellness practices.
Mind-body connection
Yoga helps with daily living as it provides strength, flexibility, and balance on a physical level, and calmness, clarity of thought, and the ability to withstand stress on an emotional level. For example, a stressful situation can result in a fight or flight response, an in-built defense system triggered when the brain senses danger. This response causes a substantial elevation in heart and respiratory rate, pupil dilation, slowed digestion, and blood thrust to major muscle groups to give the body a burst of energy. Yogic practices allow people to proactively ‘respond’ rather than react to situations.
Inspiring people to ramp up optimal wellness
The ideal way to inspire others is to lead by example. At Shreyas, everyone practices Yoga and meditation daily and follows the principles of yogic living. Dr. Shahuja provides guests with a meditation audio CD and a Yoga manual to help them continue and build their practice at home. Indian ancient scriptures state that a teacher is one who dispels darkness or ignorance, allowing the student to understand, explore, and enquire. One-on-one sessions with guests, explaining the importance of incorporating Yoga into daily life, and interactive sessions on Naturopathy and Ayurveda are essential tools.
Challenges for the healthcare, pharma & food industries
Toxins, harmful preservatives, artificial taste enhancers, and additives are widespread dangers that consumers face daily. Dr. Arun Kumar explains that most people are either ignorant of the extent of harm these products can cause or use cheaper alternatives because organic cosmetics or food are relatively expensive and difficult to obtain. Educating people about the harmful side effects of chemical additives and a responsible approach by wellness consultants, as well as health insurance companies, plays a significant role.
Habits to promote
A simple yoga regime of 45 minutes that includes postural breathing exercises is a must. The prana (life force) is replenished when the body is nourished with nuts, cereals, seasonal vegetables, and fruits. Cooking styles like steaming, boiling, and baking are preferred over frying to retain the nutritional values of produce. A disciplined eating regime, eating at regular intervals, is ideal. Avoiding starvation or overeating reflects the moderation that yogic living espouses. Food should be chewed properly and eaten slowly, limiting the intake of water during meals. Water should be consumed half an hour before and after meals. Breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day, followed by a nutrition-dense lunch and a light dinner. Dinner should be eaten at least two hours prior to sleep. A minimum of 8-10 glasses of water is necessary to keep the body well hydrated, and this intake should be spread over the day.
Gems of Yoga
Helps practitioners manage stress.
Asanas restore and heal the body, bringing strength, flexibility, and balance.
Pranayama (breathing processes) allows for the free flow of Prana (vital force), tackling most psychosomatic stress-related problems.
Yoga Nidra, or Yogic sleep, fosters a state of unconscious sleep for deeper, intense relaxation and spiritual exploration of the self.