International academic event on lifestyle medicine
Costa Rica will host the First International Lifestyle Medicine Symposium Costa Rica CALM 2026, an initiative organized by the Asociación Costarricense de Medicina de Estilo de Vida (CALM) aimed at promoting the prevention of chronic diseases through scientifically supported healthy habits. The symposium will bring together national and international specialists who will share knowledge and best practices on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, social connection, and the reduction of risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption.
This first edition represents an important milestone in the country by creating a high-level interdisciplinary academic space designed to strengthen professional training and the capacity to apply preventive approaches within the Costa Rican healthcare system.
Main program and activities
The symposium will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Hyatt Place San José/Pinares, located in Momentum Pinares, Curridabat, San José.
The event will include:
• Keynote lectures from experts from Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, the United States, and Argentina
• Practical sessions and clinical application workshops
• Scientific exchange and networking opportunities for health professionals
The content will focus on the six fundamental pillars of lifestyle medicine, combining scientific evidence with practical applications for primary care and community health.
Nicoya retreat: immersive healthy living experience
As a complementary activity, a wellness retreat from April 18 to 20, 2026 will be held in the Península de Nicoya, a region globally recognized as a Blue Zone due to its high longevity and traditional healthy lifestyle practices.
During this retreat, participants will directly experience practices associated with disease prevention and health maintenance in a natural environment that promotes physical and mental well-being.
This type of experience seeks not only to transmit theoretical knowledge but also to encourage sustainable behavioral changes that can be applied in daily life.
The importance of the lifestyle medicine approach
Lifestyle medicine is an emerging field that focuses on preventing, treating, and even reversing chronic diseases through changes in daily habits. Scientific evidence shows that interventions related to diet, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and social relationships can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other major public health challenges.
By promoting these initiatives, Costa Rica aligns itself with global public health trends and strengthens its position as a regional reference in preventive medicine and holistic wellness.
Official sources consulted
• La República, coverage of the event and its objectives
• La Nación, details on organization, thematic pillars, and international participation
• Research and academic projects from the Centro Centroamericano de Población (UCR) related to healthy lifestyles in high-longevity regions
