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‘More heart attacks during winters’
‘Migrants prone to drug addiction, AIDS infection’
City doc attends workshop at Hong Kong
Session on health held
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‘More heart attacks during winters’
Ludhiana, December 26 He said a recent study presented at a conference of the European Society of Cardiology had proved that people with high blood pressure seemed to be more vulnerable to heart attacks during cold weather. Statistics also showed that heart attacks occurred more during mornings and on Mondays. “Our heart function follows a recurrent regular rhythm and the stress on the heart is more during these periods. People who are suffering from heart disease or have high blood pressure, are especially prone to succumb to heart attacks during these times.” How the weather was linked to heart attacks was unclear, but several theories existed, stated Dr Kochar. “One is that the inflammation caused by respiratory infections during winter could make the blood vessels more susceptible. Another is simply that the extra narrowing of the blood vessels that occur on exposure to cold is enough to trigger a heart attack. When body temperature drops even a few degrees below its normal temperature of 98.6°F (37°C), the blood vessels constrict, including those of our heart, and this may trigger a dangerous heart attack.” Focusing on the major risk factors, he remarked that the elderly were at a greater risk of having a heart attack during the winter months, especially those staying alone without anyone to look after them. Regardless of age, having a cold or certain diseases, such as diabetes, heart, vascular and thyroid problems also put a person at greater risk. “Staying warm is very important and the risk rises if one wears inadequate or wet clothing which increases the effect of cold on the body.” Similarly, taking alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and drugs that inhibited the body’s response to the cold or impair judgment were major risk enhancers. “If you are a male, your risks increase, as men have far greater death rates from cold exposure than women — perhaps due to inherent risk-taking activities, body-fat composition or other physiological differences. Becoming exhausted or immobilised, especially due to injury, may also speed up the adverse effects of cold weather,” he added. Suggesting the precautions, Dr Kochar advised that the most important thing was to stay warm and avoid the cold weather if possible. For example, it was better to postpone the morning jog to late afternoon when it was warmer or still better to go for a comfortable in-house exercise programme during these months. If going out in the cold was unavoidable, wear three layers of clothing. The vulnerable persons should also wear insulated head coverings, as up to 40 percent of body heat could be lost when the head was exposed. Proper boots and gloves were equally important. “And, please do not substitute heat loss from the body with increased alcohol or cigarette consumption. Further, in case of any uneasiness or discomfort because of the intense cold, get in touch with your doctor immediately,” stressed Dr Kochar.
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‘Migrants prone to drug addiction, AIDS infection’
Ludhiana, December 26 This has been revealed during a pilot survey of a major research project being carried out by the Ludhiana Citizens Health Council
(LCHC) here for the last one year on the prevention of drug addiction and AIDS. The survey brought out the fact that the majority of the migrants were not aware of the ill effects of drug addiction and their response to preventive measures against HIV/AIDS was, at best, evasive. According to Dr S.C. Gupta, secretary-general of the
LCHC, more than 80 per cent of industrial workers, coming from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are living in highly insanitary and unhygienic conditions in slums areas, which expose them to a higher risk from communicable diseases. Since the migrant workers are here to earn more money, they tend to work overtime and in the process, most of them fall prey to drug abuse in order to seek relief from stress and fatigue. The survey noted that the only mean of relaxation for this socially and economically deprived section of the urban population was indulgence in casual, and most of the times, unsafe sex activities which in turn raised the risk of HIV/AIDS infection. “Less than 5 per cent of industrial workers are aware of blood testing facilities available for detection of HIV infection. While just 20 per cent of the workers covered under the study were aware of unsafe sex being the cause of HIV/AIDS, only one-tenth of them knew that it was an incurable disease.” Dr Gupta stated that the awareness level about HIV/AIDS among the migrant workers was extremely poor and many of them believed that the infection could spread by kissing, hugging or even through the use of common utensils or clothes. To make the matters worse, a significantly higher number of employers was found to be totally indifferent towards the health of their workers and no worthwhile steps were being taken to save the work force from communicable diseases or HIV infection. Barring a few industrial houses, the managements did not evince any interest in educating their workers for prevention against HIV/AIDS infection. The study team reported that low-cost commercial sex workers were available in abundance in the slum colonies and the motive in most of the cases was to supplement family income. The sex workers either being in no position to dictate terms, or being unaware of the risks, the sexual activity generally was unsafe and use of condom was almost rare, which multiplied the chances of HIV infection. The data analysis of the study report demonstrated that there was every possibility of spurt in incidence of HIV/AIDS and drug addiction, which could prove detrimental to the health and socio-economic development of the society at large. It called for some community-based action-oriented health promotional and education programme, which should be taken up at the grassroots level. Further, the report pleaded for an integrated approach on the execution of a massive health education programme on HIV/AIDS.
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City doc attends workshop at Hong Kong
Ludhiana, December 26 Giving this information here today, Dr Harpal Singh said most of the delegates at the workshop were from Asian countries, who were trained in newer techniques of fracture management like locked plate system, computer-aided surgical navigation in hip fractures and gamma nailing. During the workshop, advanced techniques in emergency and definitive stabilisation of the pelvis were also discussed.
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Session on health held
Ludhiana, December 26 Unit secretary of the PMRA, Ludhiana unit, Mr J.P. Singh, gave a talk through audio and visual aids on health issues like TB for which the WHO has declared global emergency in 1993. On environment front, the thrust was given to tree plantation. He advocated the plantation of traditional trees like neem, peepal and baur. Mr J.P. Singh said the PMRA would continue to conduct such social awareness programmes as part of its social commitment.
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