Dr Farrah-Hani Imran needs no introduction, being a national gymnast from 1989 to 1994 and is now a doctor specialising as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery trainee. Her list of achievement goes on—Grade 7 pianist, Grade 7 (Elementary) ballerina, active gymnast, a contemporary dancer, painter and the occasional motivational speaker. Here is a beautiful example of what Malaysia can produce – a homegrown, example perfect of health and femininity.
I met her in Kuala Lumpur after work, which for her meant surgery till 6.45pm on a weekday. My first glimpse of her was a bustling tiny dynamo in a canary yellow shirt-dress rushing to our venue. Despite her busy schedule, she had taken the time off to impart a few pointers’ on healthy living and the importance of an active lifestyle.
She credits her belief in living healthy to her role model big brother, a practising medical doctor, who runs for charity as often as he can, and who exercises regularly. She has also seen the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on ex-gymnasts and other sports personalities and has made an affirmation to stay active and keep healthy.
When asked of her eating habits, Farrah-Hani is fast to admit that she is no dieter! Her secret? Moderation – be it exercising, eating or sleeping. Also lots of water to drink as well! A self-confessed banana leaf rice lover, she notes too that it is impossible to cut out rice when you have a banana leaf lunch! She emphatically does not believe in fad dieting or fad exercising. Additionally, her experience as a doctor has definitely reiterated the importance of prevention being better than a cure. With this in mind, Farrah-Hani is indeed one who walks the walk and talks the talk to practise what she believes in.
 Health in mind
A typical day begins at 6am or perhaps even 5.30am, if she is giving a presentation (something doctors do about three times a week, i.e. talking about a particular procedure or treatment or illness and which involves massive amounts of preparation and research). Work begins at 7am and continues, usually non-stop, till about 5.30pm. Of course, being in a government hospital, this is subject to her overnight or call duties – again a few times a week. In any case, on her way back from work, she tries to stop by the Lake Club for at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. This is a workout she has been doing since college, which includes elements of gymnastics, fitness and dance.
Then, it is time for family and friends, a time to maintain and nourish the relationships, which helps her maintain her equilibrium. She emphasises that life is more than just work, even if you love what you do. It is about the people and love in our lives that help keep us centred and able to cope.
Finally it is a bit of alone time – studying (since she is in the midst of the Masters Programme), watching television or just surfing the Internet. She laughs when she says that in an ideal world she would love to have seven hours uninterrupted sleep to function but of course this is not always possible, not for the busy bee Farrah-Hani.
Does she do anything specific to release stress? She sketches or paints. She finds painting very therapeutic as it channels the stress in a creative manner. This is something she lives by. “Don’t allow stress to hurt you or cause you to hurt your loved ones by lashing out,” she advises.
For her, one very important thing to do to help maintain an active and healthy lifestyle is to begin from inside. A positive outlook and mindset set the tone for the rest of the body to follow. Positive thoughts and prayer lead to positive emotions and a healthy, active body to live life to its utmost potential for self
and service.
It is clear that Farrah-Hani is a great example of young Malaysian womanhood, combining both the science and practice of medicine and the aesthetics of art, music and dance, to achieve all that she has and all that she will whilst living an active healthy lifestyle. Just what the doctor prescribes!
Farrah-Hani is fast to admit that she is no dieter! Her secret? Moderation – be it exercising, eating or sleeping. Also lots of water to drink as well!
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