News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (March 28, 2026 - April 3, 2026) April 3, 2026 16 Cover Story ITV Gold interview underscores role of culture, lifestyle and technology in shaping future healthcare A n in-depth discussion on ITV Gold brought at- tention to the growing role of integrative medi- cine in addressing chronic diseases, featuring Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Dr. run Garg, a Vancouver-based physician, biochemist and global health leader. Dr. Garg, founding president of the Canadian Indian Network Society (CINS) and a senior executive member of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), outlined how integrative medicine blends modern scientific practices with culturally rooted lifestyle approaches to improve long-term health out- comes. During the interview, Dr. Parikh introduced Garg as a leader working to connect Eastern andWestern medi- cal philosophies, noting his involvement with global physician networks representing Indian-origin doctors across more than 60 countries. ADDRESSING A GROWING HEALTH CRISIS Dr. Garg emphasized that chronic diseases — includ- ing diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, dementia and mental health conditions — are dispro- portionately high in South Asian communities. Recognizing this challenge, he said CINS was es- tablished as a nonprofit organization to build cultural, academic and healthcare connections between Canada and India while promoting healthier communities. “We have a huge problem in the South Asian commu- nity,” Garg said, pointing to lifestyle-driven illnesses as a major concern. CONCEPT OF INTEGRATIVE AND CULTURAL MEDICINE Central to Garg’s approach is what he described as “cultural medicine,” a model that integrates modern medical science with traditional knowledge systems such as Vedic and yogic principles. He explained that while modern medicine remains the foundation of treatment, incorporating cultural hab- its — including diet, sleep patterns, emotional health and physical activity — helps patients make sustainable lifestyle changes. “Most chronic diseases have a very big component of lifestyle,” he said, adding that culture significantly influ- ences behavior, including eating habits, sleep cycles and emotional well-being. Garg stressed that integrative medicine does not replace scientific treatment but complements it by empowering individuals to take control of their health through informed choices. FOUR PILLARS OF HEALTH According to Garg, integrative medicine is built around four key pillars: * Diet and nutrition * Sleep patterns * Physical activity and movement * Emotional health and relationships These factors, he said, are interconnected and rooted in cultural practices, making them essential to disease prevention and management. COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTHCARE MODEL Through initiatives like the South Asian Health Institute in Canada, Garg said healthcare providers are being trained to recognize cultural influences on patient behavior. Outreach programs in community spaces such as temples and gurdwaras are also helping educate people about nutrition and preventive care. He noted that many individuals are unaware of how strongly diet and lifestyle contribute to diseases like dia- betes, and simple behavioral changes — such as eating earlier in the day — can significantly improve outcomes. In some cases, he added, lifestyle interventions have even helped reverse aspects of Type 2 diabetes. ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SELF-MANAGEMENT The conversation also highlighted the increasing role of technology in healthcare, including wearable devices like smartwatches and health-tracking rings. While such tools can promote awareness, Garg acknowledged concerns about anxiety caused by over- monitoring. He emphasized the importance of guided interpretation through healthcare providers and com- munity support systems. “The goal is education, not stress,” he said, advocat- ing for support groups and community-based clinics where individuals can better understand and act on health data. FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE: SOCIAL PRESCRIPTION Looking ahead, Garg predicted a shift toward “social prescriptions,” where doctors will recommend lifestyle changes alongside medications. This approach includes guidance on diet, exercise, emotional well-being and behavioral habits. He said the United States is already leading in areas such as functional and integrative medicine, while Canada is beginning to adopt similar models. “The burden of chronic disease is too large to be ad- dressed by pharmacotherapy alone,” he said. “We need to engage people so they want to be healthy.” BUILDING A HEALTHIER SOCIETY Garg also highlighted ongoing collaborations between organizations like CINS, GAPIO and global healthcare institutions to build a “healthy civil society” through education, engagement and empowerment. The interview concluded with a call for greater awareness, emphasizing that combining medical science with cultural understanding can lead to more effective, patient-centered care and improved health outcomes across communities. Dr. Arun Garg Highlights Integrative Medicine As Key To Combating Chronic Diseases By a StaffWriter Dr. Arun Garg while his interview with ITV GOLD. PHOTO: ITV GOLD Central to Garg’s approach is what he described as “cultural medicine,” a model that integrates modern medical science with traditional knowledge systems such as Vedic and yogic principles. PHOTO:REUTERS/ ANUSHREE FADNAVIS Yoga enthusiasts.