HEALTH

Heart ailments related to lifestyle

THE World Health Organisation has joined the World Heart Federation in launching September 24 as the first World Heart Day, aimed at increasing public awareness about cardio vascular diseases, their prevention and control.

The increase in the magnitude of cardio vascular diseases (CVD), particularly in the developing countries, represents one of the major health challenges of this century.

The impact of these diseases is more serious in the developing countries, which have not yet overcome the first wave of CVD (rheumatic heart disease and chagas disease which result from infections) and are already hit by second wave ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Cases of IHD are likely to rise sharply in the near future in these countries, mainly due to changing lifestyles, increased smoking, introduction of fast foods, less physical activity etc.

Over the next few decades, IHD rates are expected to double, and with this, it will become the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality worldwide. Whereas at the end of 20th century more than 60 per cent of the global burden of IHD occurs in developing countries, 82 per cent of the anticipated increase in mortality and 89 per cent of the increase in morbidity will be experienced in these regions. By 2013, cardio vascular disease could be the most important cause of mortality in India, IHD will count for 34 per cent of all male deaths, and 32 per cent of all female deaths in India.

The success of worldwide public health efforts has resulted in the current trend of decreasing mortality from acute infectious diseases, and this will result in a higher proportion of individuals reaching middle and old age.

Current worldwide economic development leads to increasing urbanisation and with this the aged population will be exposed to higher levels of risk that accompany the lifestyle and socio-economic changes associated with urbanisation. Therefore, both the degree and the duration of exposure to the CVD risk factors can be expected to increase as a result of higher risk- factor level coupled with a longer life expectancy.

The special susceptibilities of certain populations (e.g. due to specific genes), compared with western populations, may lead to a greater impact on clinical events.

This year’s theme is walking. There is evidence that walking is the best exercise of all, because almost everyone can do it, it is enjoyable, it costs nothing and can easily be fitted into one’s daily routine. Let’s join this global struggle.

— Dr G. S. Grewal

Students hold anti-addiction rally
From Deepkamal Kaur

LUDHIANA, Sept 23 — The Ludhiana zone of Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, a socio-religious organisation, organised an anti-addiction rally today, in which more than 2000 students from 25 schools and colleges participated.

The rally started from Jagraon bridge, where students of Sargodha schools, and Master Tara Singh Memorial College converged. It then proceeded towards the Punjab Agricultural University gate number 2, via the Ferozepore Road. Students from other schools and colleges joined en route.

On the way, the students raised slogans Jago jago nashe tyago and DC Uncle sanu bachao, nashiyan wale adde hatao. Students also carried placards with similar slogans. Besides, slips bearing slogans were attached to the backs of the shirts of boys and on the dupattas of the girl students. On the way, the students were given free refreshment.

On reaching the university, the students took a round of the campus. Thereafter, they assembled at the Pal Auditorium, where an anti-addiction convention was held, which was presided over by Dr K.S. Sekhon, Dean Postgraduate Studies, PAU. Principals of various schools and colleges participated in the convention and passed six resolutions which will be soon presented before the Punjab government and the district administration.

The first resolution asked for drugs and intoxicants to be declared a serious hazard to the student community in Punjab, as there had been evidence of large scale consumption of intoxicants by youngsters of the district.

The second resolution was that all schools and colleges and also the university areas be declared as ‘No smoking zones’, as presently, the practice of smoking and chewing tobacco went on unchecked inside the institutes, not only among fourth class employees, but also teaching and non-teaching staff.

The third resolution was regarding the framing and enforcing of rules in all the hostel of the institutes strictly so that the innocent hostel students were saved from being lured by tobacco addiction. It was also stated that only upright and bold persons be appointed as hostel wardens.

The fourth resolution pertained to immediate removal of all unauthorised vends and shops selling a variety of drugs in the vicinity of schools and colleges, as several such vends were supplying tobacco, gutka and similar drugs on credit basis.

The fifth resolution related to the imposition of ban on consumption of alcohol at marriage palaces since such occasions allowed easy availability of alcohol to minors.

The last resolution was on implementation of the provisions of the Punjab State Excise Act, in total. The Act stated that liquor should not be sold to persons under the age of 18 years. No decoration on liquor shops be allowed. The size of the hoardings of liquor shops should not be more than 4x2 feet. Strict timings regarding the closure of liquor shops should be observed.

Present in the convention were Principal Ram Singh, Chief Organiser, Mr Gurmit Singh, Chief Secretary, Mr Charan Kamal Singh, Zonal Secretary, Mr Sarabjit Singh, Assistant Professor of Journalism, PAU, and Mrs Inderjit Gill Vashisht, Principal, Government College for Women. 

Workshop on child health 
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, Sept 23 — The Ludhiana Sahkarta Samiti organised a one-day workshop on ‘Reproductive child health’ at Bachat Bhavan at the mini secretariat yesterday.

Delegates from the departments of health, panchayat and social welfare participated in the workshop, in addition to 110 members from 11 blocks of the district and discussed on family planning, pre-natal care, immunisation, illegal foetus termination, gender equality, children’s rights and education facilities for them.

Dr Tarloki Nath, Assistant Civil Surgeon, told about the health related programmes being run by the District Health Administration. Ms Santosh Bhatia, District Mass Media Officer, discussed health facilities available at the time of delivery. Ms Vidyawati, District Programme Officer, talked about the efforts being made by the Social Development Department towards the reproductive child project. Dr Paramjit Singh Gill and his team from the Department of Social and Preventive Medicines, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, participated in the workshop.

Football tourney 
From Our Correspondent

KHANNA, Sept 23 — The first four-day Football Cup Tournament organised by the A S College Alumni Association, Khanna, concluded here today at the Principal Madan Gopal Chopra Stadium.

Team of Kheri Nodh Singh won the tournament by defeating Spring Dale Public School 3-1 through penalty kicks. The team of A S Senior Secondary School got third position in the tournament while Government Senior Secondary School, Dasua, got the fourth position.

The prizes were distributed by Mr S.K. Sandhu, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, who was the chief guest at the occasion. The function was presided over by Mr Rupinder Singh Gill.

Transfer orders for cops 
From Our Correspondent

KHANNA, Sept 23 — The SSP of the Khanna police district, Mr Rajinder Namdeo Doke, has ordered the transfers of 23 police officials, including all SHOs of the police district, with effect from today.

Mr Raminder Singh, Head of the Khanna traffic police, has been made the SHO of the Khanna city police station. Mr Satnam Singh, Head of the Anti-Goonda Staff, has been made the Head of the CIA Staff. Mr Satinder Pal Singh, a reserve Inspector of the Khanna police, has been made the SHO of the Khanna Sadar police station. Mr Rame Shah, Head of the CIA staff, has been asked to take charge as the reserve Inspector of the Khanna police lines.

Mr Ram Singh Chahal, SHO of the Khanna Sadar police station, has been sent to the Khanna city police station. Mr Gurcharan Singh, Additional SHO of the Khanna city police station, has been sent to the Samrala police station.

Mr Rattanjeet Singh of the Samrala police station has been make the Head of the Malaud post, while Mr Hari Mittar Showki, Head of the Malaud post, has been transferred to the Khanna police lines.

Mr Balbir Singh, Head of the Rauni post, has also been transferred to the police lines here and Mr Gurcharan Singh has been sent in his place. Mr Mannohan Singh, Head of the Neelon post has been sent to the police lines here and Mr Darbara Singh will replace him.

Mr Ashish Kapoor, SHO of the Samrala police station, has been made the Head of the Khanna traffic police. Mr Gurmeet Singh. Additional SHO of the Samrala police station has been made the SHO of the station. Mr Kewal Singh has been made the permanent Head of the Bhardhalon police post.