You’ve probably seen him offering advice on prevention and holistic care on The Dr. Oz Show. Dr Mark Liponis is also a specialist in the prevention and reversal of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, depression and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. It may sound like he specialises in health miracles, but this doctor believes that miracles can happen because of his own brush with cancer at the age of 36. His 20 years of experience in prevention and holistic care is captured in bestselling books such as UltraLongevity, The Hunter Farmer Diet Solution and UltraPrevention.

Canyon Ranch Lenox at sunrise

The 56-year-old who is married to paediatrician Siobhan McNally with three grown children was recently in Singapore to talk about this new science to staying healthy, which he spreads through his work as corporate medical director for Canyon Ranch Lenox. The award-winning health resort, called the gold standard of health spas in the US, will soon unveil its first international off-shoot on the lush neighbouring island of Bintan. Part of the 20-year Treasure Bay Bintan master plan, Canyon Ranch Bintan will be sited on Chill Cove, which is set to launch at the end of 2014.  At the resort, guests can expect bespoke fitness, nutrition, stress management and integrative wellness programmes tailored by health experts to rejuvenate them.

Mark Liponis tells Singapore Tatler about his passion for prevention and holistic care and how he hopes to help overworked executives in Singapore and Southeast Asia to manage their health and stress levels better for more fulfilling lives.

 

What sparked your interest in holistic health and prevention?

I’ve always been interested in holistic health. My interest became personal when I was diagnosed with kidney cancer at age 36; that’s when I started working full-time in prevention at Canyon Ranch. That was 20 years ago and I am healthier now than I was then!

Can it really be the universal cure to all our health and wellness concerns? Or should it be used in conjunction with mainstream medicine?

It’s too bad mainstream medicine can’t better incorporate the most important aspects of prevention – good nutrition, fitness, managing stress, getting quality sleep, reducing substance use, having better relationships and enjoying more happiness.

As a new science to staying healthy, what does UltraPreventionmake of all the research that scientists are doing to find a cure for Aids, cancer and so on? 

Good science is the key to the future of health for all of us.  Whether it’s Aids, cancer or heart disease, new discoveries will help our children to live fuller, healthier and longer lives.

How did you come to be involved in Canyon Ranch? 

After being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1994, I knew I needed a different way of integrating work and health.  I was under a tremendous amount of stress, trying to provide for a young family while working shifts in the Emergency Department. Canyon Ranch came to my rescue with a holistic and healthy work environment that I cherish. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What’s the most satisfying part of your work? 

Canyon Ranch has taught me that miracles can happen when people are ready, willing, and able to change, even in small ways. When a person is ready to change, and they know how and what to do, then there is a true transformation, and that is magical and satisfying to see.

Why was Bintan chosen for Canyon Ranch’s Asian debut?

Canyon Ranch Bintan offers the perfect healthy escape for hardworking professionals in Southeast Asia. In less than an hour’s travel from Singapore, therelaxation and rejuvenation of Canyon Ranch can be reached. It will represent an oasis of health, a peaceful getaway and an immediate relief from the pressures and stress of a busy and demanding life.

Personally, I oversee all of the medical and health initiatives and will be directly involved in the staffing and programmes offered at Canyon Ranch Bintan. 

Activities at Canyon Ranch Lenox

What can we expect of a stay at Canyon Ranch Bintan?

It’s safe to say you can expect to feel taken care of, pampered, at peace and healthy. You can expect delicious, nutritious and healthy food; luxurious body, skin and beauty treatments; state-of-the art fitness facilities and expertise; and to be inspired and ready to incorporate healthy habits into your life.

We hope to bring the same five-star health experience to Bintan that we have offered at Canyon Ranch in the US for 35 years. But now, this experience will be available in Southeast Asia for the first time.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

My wife and I enjoy travel and also volunteer as doctors for NGOs working in underserved areas.  Most recently we have been working in northern Laos to help eliminate malnutrition in young women and children. We love the combination of visiting new and remote places, seeing places we’ve never been to and meeting new people, especially if we are able to help with our medical training and experience. 

Speaking of vacations, how does one choose a health resort?

While there are a number of resorts that claim to be “healthy”, if you know and compare, you won’t find any one that comes close to Canyon Ranch.  

What is your philosophy on/your idea of “The Good Life”? 

The Good Life is simple – health, happiness, helping and longevity!! We can’t do any better than that! That’s what we believe and we practice what we preach at Canyon Ranch!