Ludhiana, September 24
Cases of heart diseases are increasing all over the world. Although some of the Western countries have been able to control these by using various Indian means like yoga and ayurveda, not much has been done in this regard in India. These views were expressed by Padamshree Dr G.S. Sainani, Cardiologist and Consultant Physician, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. Dr Sainani was in the city to deliver the 28th Public Health Lecture on ‘Strategies to prevent onslaught of coronary artery diseases (CAD) in India’ at Dumra Auditorium of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital yesterday.
Dr Sainani discussed various causes and ways to prevent heart diseases. He said by improving lifestyle and by maintaining harmony with the nature, one could look young, healthy and stay away from diseases.
Various factors which led to heart diseases included age, food habits, obesity, diabetes and lack of exercise.
Dr Sainani said men were more prone to heart diseases after the age of 35. Females were equally susceptible to it after menopause. ‘‘Both men and women should be very careful after the age of 35 and should go for a health check-up regularly for early detection of these diseases.’’
He said food habits and obesity were interlinked and should be controlled. People should eat green vegetables, sprouted beans, pulses, fruits and salads. Excessive salt, sugar, beer, deep-fried food and red meat should be avoided.
Diabetic patients should remain careful as they were more prone to heart diseases, said Dr Sainani. He said people were developing sedentary habits and there was lack of physical activity in their lifestyle, which was the main cause of cardiac diseases. He added that brisk walk of 30 minutes was very beneficial as it helped in avoiding tension.
He said various studies had shown that depressed, aggressive and anxious people faced a higher risk of heart attacks compared to others. Yoga and meditation were very helpful in stress management. Right lifestyle should be developed among children at an early age.
Mr Prem Nath Gupta, secretary of the managing society, presented a vote of thanks. Amongst others who graced the occasion included Dr S.C. Ahuja, Dr G.S. Wander and Dr Rajoo Singh Chinna.
