A Akhter /New Delhi
The 24th MTNL Perfect Health Mela came to an end on Sunday (Oct 8) after plethora of events focusing on preventive health and tips for a healthy life. The four days event at sprawling Talkatora Stadium in the capital city was unique blend medical knowledge and fanfare of cultural programmes.
The Mela was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejrival on October 4. Inaugurating the PHM CM said: “Prevention is better than cure and this event is a perfect platform to reinforce this”.
In the Mela, there was also a workshop by food expert Ms Geeta Anand on Healthy Food for a Healthy Heart. The workshop provided interesting insights into how your eating patterns can affect your heart and what a heart healthy diet is composed of. It was an eye-opener in many respects as many things that we consume as part of our daily lives may not be so good for the heart.
Other important attractions during the event include free diagnostic checkups (blood checkups) for all, free exhibitions by government departments and OPDs, and live webcast with prominent doctors.
The fair also witnessed newer themes in National Harmony and Eco-Festival competitions, Divya Jyoti and Medico Masti youth competitions, and Heritage – Classical Dance competitions. There were events such inter-school poetry recitation, sports competitions (kho-kho, skipping, and 100-m racing), and youth western dance competition. For the youth court scene competition, the theme was ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. The youth fashion show competition was interesting with youngsters sporting fashion from the 1990s.
Speaking on the final day, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and brain behind the Mela said, “Of the many lifestyle issues today, the incidence of heart disease is perhaps showing the highest trend. Men, women, and children are affected by this condition alike and the only way to prevent heart conditions is to take precautions right at the outset. This Mela is a medium to convey this message to thousands of people, particularly youngsters, who are vulnerable to many factors such as peer pressure, junk food, work stress, and substance addiction. This workshop on heart healthy diet was very insightful and we hope people have taken away learnings from it. Apart from this, one can follow the Formula of 80 for a healthy heart, which entails, maintaining fasting blood sugar (FBS) (mg%), fasting low-density lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol (mg/dL), diastolic lower blood pressure (mm Hg), resting heart rate, and abdominal girth (cm) all below 80.”
Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Preventive health also encompasses sanitation. Children should be taught to keep the surroundings environment clean, keep a check on the collection of stagnant water in and outside our houses to prevent mosquito breeding and promote the consumption of safe water to prevent illness. Mass awareness platforms such as the PHM play an important role in encouraging people to adopt a preventive approach.”
Mela was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejrival on October 4
“This Mela is not only about workshops, lectures, and demonstrations but also engaging youngsters through activities that are interesting for them. The huge participation here is proof that people want to learn more about prevention and health and are willing to go that extra mile for it. I wish the Mela all success in future as well,” said Dr Marthanda Pillai and Dr S S Agarwal former president of IMA.
Earlier P K Purwar, CMD, MTNL, said, “We must embrace the digital era to raise mass health awareness. We are happy to be the title sponsor this year too and will continue to extend our support in the years to come”.
Dr P K Sharma MOH NDMC said that PHM offered the unique opportunity to network with over 200 organizations including those from the state and central government, PSUs, and leading corporates.
The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest.
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