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Revolutionizing health through plant-based nutrition: Insights from renowned physician Dr. Michael Klaper
By Samanthi Weerasekera
In a groundbreaking virtual conference, the Samahitha Nature Foundation, USA, and the Society for Health Research and Innovations, Sri Lanka, united to delve into the transformative realm of “Disease Reversal through Plant-Based Nutrition” led by Dr. Michael Klaper, MD. The event unveiled startling revelations about the state of health in Sri Lanka and introduced a promising path to well-being through dietary adjustments.
The conference highlighted sobering statistics shared by Dr. Klaper, shedding light on Sri Lanka’s health landscape. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, the nation’s leading causes of death, were alarmingly prevalent, with 34% of Sri Lankan deaths attributed to CAD, a stark contrast to the 17% reported in the USA and the UK. Between 2005 and 2010, the country experienced distressing surges in hospitalizations due to heart disease (29%), diabetes (36%), and high blood pressure (40%). Worryingly, overweight and obesity were pervasive across all age groups and genders.
The role of diet in this health crisis cannot be underestimated. The typical Sri Lankan diet often includes meals rich in salt, sugars, oils, fried foods, and oxidized meat fats. The inclusion of meat introduces toxic molecules into the bloodstream, leading to aging, inflammation, auto-immunity, and even cancer initiation.
Plant-based nutrition emerged as a beacon of hope in combating this health crisis. Transitioning to a whole-food, plant-based diet eliminates meat-specific toxins from daily intake, emphasizing nutrient-rich, water-rich foods while eliminating meat and processed chemicals. This dietary shift has demonstrated the potential to improve lipid profiles, heal the microbiome, reduce inflammation, and alleviate oxidative stress. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and more can significantly improve or even reverse with this transformation.
Dr. Klaper highlighted the pivotal role of healthcare providers in driving this transformation. Many doctors often overlook nutrition’s significance due to a lack of education in this domain, leading to inadequate attention to nutrition and diet in patient care. He urged healthcare professionals to recognize nutrition as a clinically vital factor in health and disease, actively referring patients to nutrition and diet experts for counseling or treatment.
In conclusion, Dr. Klaper underscored that a whole-food, plant-based diet stands as one of the most potent healing modalities available. Its transformative power not only leads to a healthier life but also facilitates a more accessible and sustainable transition to this dietary approach.
Event organizer Ananda Mahinkanda, founder of the Samahitha Nature Foundation in the USA, stressed the imperative need for education about Plant-Based Nutrition, particularly within the medical community in Sri Lanka. He announced a series of upcoming lectures by world-renowned nutrition and medical professionals, with the next lecture scheduled for November 16th, featuring Dr. Neal Barnard, the president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine of the USA. If effectively implemented in Sri Lanka, disease reversal through plant-based nutrition has the potential to positively transform countless lives.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
