 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 10: : Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology, organized a day-long cardiac awareness and health checkup camp at Village Mandal, Panchayat Katwalta, Block Purmandal, Samba. This initiative aimed to educate the community about the paramount importance of primary prevention in reducing mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular diseases. Over 250 people were screened, evaluated, diagnosed, and provided with free medicines as required.
Dr. Sushil emphasized the significance of primary prevention, especially in light of the increasing incidence of cardiac ailments and lifestyle-related diseases. He pointed out that despite being largely preventable, cardiovascular diseases still account for more than 20.5 million deaths annually, with an estimated 80% of these diseases, including heart disease and stroke, being preventable through lifestyle choices.
The primary elements of cardiovascular disease prevention are a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. Dr. Sushil highlighted the various risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke, some of which cannot be modified (e.g., family history), while others, like high blood pressure, can be mitigated through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Dr. Sushil further elaborated that although there has been a decrease in the proportion of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the last four decades, the rate of decline is slowing while morbidity from these diseases is on the rise. Identifying individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases is crucial for risk factor modification through primary prevention.
He stressed that substantial reductions in major cardiovascular events can be achieved by commencing regular exercise, with additional benefits gained as exercise intensity increases.
Dr. Sushil provided eight tips to promote heart health, including quitting smoking, engaging in daily physical activity, adopting a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting quality sleep, managing stress, regular health screenings, and taking steps to prevent infections.
Dr. Sushil highlighted that the most significant behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke include an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. These behaviors can lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, overweight, and obesity, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
He emphasized that while individual choices play a part in these behaviors, government and policymakers also have a crucial role in ensuring that people have access to tools and environments that promote a healthy lifestyle. This includes clean air, affordable healthy food options, and well-planned urban spaces that encourage physical activity.
The efforts of Dr. Sushil and his team in conducting the cardiac awareness and health checkup camp were highly appreciated by prominent members of the area, including Sapna Sapolia (Sarpanch), Des Raj (Naib Sarpanch), Jitender Dogra (Panch), Ranjana Kumari (Panch), Ram Pal, Rasal Singh, Dyan Singh, Ram Saroop, and others. The camp also received support from medical professionals, paramedics, and volunteers dedicated to promoting heart health and preventing cardiovascular diseases. |
