"Sustainable Wellness: A Healthy Planet, Disease-Free Life" was the topic addressed by Dr. Tanupol Virunhagarun, Chief Executive Officer of BDMS Wellness Clinic and BDMS Wellness Resort, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Public Company Limited (BDMS), during his talk at the SX TALK STAGE.

Dr. Tanupol stated,

“Many people may wonder how health relates to sustainability. The Earth is like our own body — we live on this planet, and when the Earth is sick, we become sick too. A human body has a normal temperature of 37.5°C. If it rises by 1.5°C, that’s 39°C — a high fever. Add another 0.5°C, and at 39.5°C, you could die. Now imagine the Earth: if its temperature continues to rise, we face the same danger. This is why wellness must be part of sustainability. If the planet gets too sick, we may not survive."

He added that climate change already causes 250,000 deaths annually from conditions such as heatstroke and dengue fever. The global warming crisis is intensifying mosquito-borne diseases and other health threats.

Moreover, human illness generates enormous waste — from medications and syringes to infectious medical waste. By staying healthy, we reduce both individual suffering and environmental harm.

Dr. Tanupol offered five practical tips to improve personal health while contributing to a healthier planet:

1. Adopt a Plant-Based Diet

Eating more plant-based foods can reduce the risk of obesity and significantly benefit the planet. The livestock industry accounts for 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, reducing meat consumption can have a greater climate impact than switching from gasoline vehicles to electric cars.

2. Exercise Regularly

Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity, five days per week. This simple habit can make you feel up to nine years younger. Choose low-carbon-impact exercises like walking, biking, or taking the stairs instead of elevators.

3. Air Quality Matters

In 2023, Bangkok residents inhaled PM2.5 pollution equivalent to smoking four cigarettes per day. Dr. Tanupol recommends taking short trips to rural areas with cleaner air and contributing to cleaner urban air by:

• Quitting smoking

• Avoiding grilled or charred foods

• Using electric vehicles or public transport

• Planting trees

4. Prioritize Restful, Sustainable Sleep

Sleep is essential for bodily repair. Practice good sleep hygiene by:

• Sleeping and waking at the same time every day

• Going to bed before 10:00 PM

• Avoiding large meals before bedtime

• Not exercising within three hours of sleeping

5. Volunteer Activities Boost Happiness

Volunteering not only nurtures emotional wellness but also supports environmental efforts. Activities like tree planting or community clean-ups help build a sustainable society.

Dr. Tanupol concluded with a powerful message:

“We are the first generation to experience global boiling — and the last generation with the chance to reverse it. If we delay any longer, it will be too late. Change must begin now.”

Come and be part of the movement to build a more livable and sustainable world at Sustainability Expo 2024: GOOD BALANCE, BETTER WORLD, taking place now through October 6, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

Explore inspiring content in the Main Exhibition Zone (G Floor), and don't miss:

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• SX MARKETPLACE

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