‘Shun Wazwaan to save future generations’

25% Kashmir youth have abnormal blood glucose level: SKIMS study

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12489&Itemid=55

Twenty five per cent of Kashmir’s youth have abnormal blood glucose level resulting in heart attacks and other related lifestyle diseases, a study conducted by SKIMS has revealed.

Addressing a program on Awareness, Advocacy and Sensitization on Health (AASH) for general masses at the SKIMS auditorium, Director SKIMS, Prof Abdul Hamid Zargar Tuesday said: “Twenty five per cent of our youth in the age group of 20-40 years have abnormal blood glucose levels. It is the primary cause for the heart attacks only after 5 to 10 years,” Zargar said quoting a study carried out by SKIMS.

“Wazwaan is taking toll on the young generation of Kashmir,” said Zargar adding, “It has become a junk food and we need to attach the stigma with the Wazwaan to save our future generations.”

On the occasion, heart specialists of Valley dwelt upon the symptoms, risks and preventive measures to be taken against the killer diseases of hypertension, high blood pressure and other heart ailments.

Dr Shariq A Masoodi deliberated on the problem of hypertension and its risk factors and gave details on risk of ischemic heart disease due to current unhealthy day-to-day practices. “Only 12.5 per cent population with hypertension is actually benefited from medicines. In India there is only 9 per cent control on blood pressure,” said Dr. Masoodi. Dr. Abdul Majeed Ganai while talking about the nutrition to be taken suggested that a rainbow diet is preferred to stay healthy. “We should have all ingredients in our food rather than abundance in one area. The heart needs to be maintained,” said Dr Ganai adding, “Even the normal person should regularly check blood pressure and maintain a diary.”

Dean Medical Faculty, Dr Imtiyaz Ali highlighted need, purpose of the program and role of youth in creating awareness at the grass root level.

Principal Gandhi Memorial College, Prof. Rabia Firdous, who was the chief guest, appreciated the efforts and highlighted role of youth in responsive citizenship and stressed the students to act as the ambassadors of the society to disseminate the information among families and the society for keeping community free of such diseases.

 

Hand bills and pamphlets describing the two diseases, risk factors and preventive measures in Urdu and English were circulated among audience.

More than 300 participants from GMC Srinagar including teachers participated in the program.

AASH is extension of awareness programme launched by SKIMS for masses regarding the health related problems. The program was organized to create awareness about life style diseases of public health importance and sensitize the youth on healthy living.