Lifestyle Conference 2025 "Lifelong Health and Harm Reduction", organized for the first time on November 13 in Pristina, brought a comprehensive platform for information, discussion and awareness on lifestyle and the concept of harm reduction.
Freskida Miloti, a health journalist, pharmacist and public health expert in Albania, emphasized that this platform, through scientific presentations, discussion panels and presentation of the latest data, directly contributes to improving public health and quality of life in both Albania and Kosovo.
The conference panels addressed several topics related to lifestyle and harm reduction, such as alcohol, tobacco and substance use, mental and physical health, the relationship between technology and interpersonal relationships. Participants from various fields, including public health, medical services, cardiology, endocrinology, academia, mental health, nutrition and journalism, shared their experiences on how health care and informed choices can improve lifestyles as a whole.
Addiction and groups at risk: a call for awareness and harm reduction
Experts on the addiction and substance use panel emphasized the need for increased attention to at-risk groups, especially young people. They called on public institutions, businesses, retailers, the community, and families to strengthen measures and raise awareness to prevent minors from accessing alcohol and tobacco products.
The call for tobacco users to quit smoking was also emphasized. For those who do not quit, the importance of moving towards reduced-risk alternatives was underlined to reduce health damage.
A positive development in this regard is the announcement by the Ministry of Health of the opening of the Addiction Center in Kosovo, an important step towards supporting individuals struggling with addiction, by offering help and not stigmatization.
Health throughout life: from childhood to adulthood
Lifestyle influencer Pranvera Selimi emphasized that embracing a healthy lifestyle, whether through running or exercising, is a personal choice related to inner well-being and not just appearance. She noted that changing your routine takes time and consistency.
Endocrinologist Elton Bahtri described lifestyle change as a process that does not happen immediately, but begins with daily awareness, before health problems arise and before medical intervention is necessary.
This message was supported by nutritionist Vala Pupovci and fitness trainer Neshat Krasniqi, who emphasized that health education begins at an early age and is related to the example that the family sets for children.
.Psychiatrist Vera Ora shared her perspective on mental health, emphasizing that it is normal to experience anxiety, worries, or emotional challenges. According to her, the important thing is the approach: acceptance, seeking help, talking to someone, and filling the day with positive experiences, from healthy eating and physical activity to the online content we consume. Rita Parashumti, a specialist in preventive and holistic medicine, also emphasized the same position.
In the panel "Post Trauma and Mental Health: from awareness to healing", experts emphasized the essential role of the mental health professional and the importance of his/her presence in families, schools, companies and institutions as the first link towards harm reduction.
Harm reduction: a realistic, science-based and proven approach
Regarding harm reduction, experts emphasized that improving physical and mental health does not happen overnight. It is the result of a series of daily choices that positively impact our lives.
The main message of the conference was the need to be realistic, to base our decisions on scientific data and to be inspired by countries that have achieved results. significant in public health by embracing the harm reduction approach.
