Our Correspondent / New Delhi
Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), a National NGO working in the healthcare sector, on Wednesday released health sutras, in the form of playing cards to commemorate 25 years of the Perfect Health Mela (PHM). Bollywood actors Manoj Bakshi and Inderpal Singh were also present along with top doctors and social workers on the occasion.
The health sutras are aimed at educating people about preventive health. They are one-line messages with a complete meaning, are field tested, and prepared by experts. The PHM is a mass health awareness module attracting over 2 to 3 lakh visitors every year. In its 24th edition, the event is being organized in association the NDMC, MCD, and IMA. MTNL is the title sponsor of the event.
At the press conference, the brain behind PHM, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), said, “The PHM completes its 24th year this year, celebrating the start of its silver jubilee. All programmes launched at the Mela will be continued for one year and conclude with the 25th PHM next year. With the burden of non-communicable diseases on the rise around the world, this is the perfect time to release these one-line talismans called health sutras. Many diseases can be prevented by making some necessary lifestyle changes and these health sutras are aimed at educating people about what these changes are and how they can be done.”
The Mela was started in 1993 by the HCFI. The first ever event was earmarked by the Government of India through the release of a National Postal Commemorative stamp. The theme this year is ‘Health Sutras’.
Lauding the event, Mr Manoj Bakshi, actor, said, “I am happy to be a part of this launch and thank the HCFI for inviting me. In our busy lives today, we do not take a moment to look back and check on our health. We forget how important it is to follow a disciplined lifestyle which will be beneficial for the body and mind. Many people today have some disease or the other, and most of them are due to erratic eating and living. This initiative is a great way to make people aware of the changes they need to bring about in their lives and I congratulate the HCFI for this.”
Adding his views, Mr Inderpal Singh, actor, said, “I have been a part of a movie that talks about one of the issues faced by men today, that of infertility. There are many similar problems and diseases which have become rampant in people today. What is sad is that there is lack of awareness on what needs to be done and how. These health sutras being released today are like mantras for people on the lifestyle they should adopt. I am happy to be a part of this event and wish HCFI all success in the future endeavours.”
The PHM caters to people from all age groups and walks of life. It showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars, check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kumar Director (HE & EB) MTNL Corporate office, said, “We are happy to be sponsoring this event, like every year, and are sure that this year will also see participation in huge numbers. We encourage one and all to take advantage of the various health care programmes during the Mela.”
Adding further, Dr P K Sharma, MOH, NDMC, said, “This is an event that many people look forward to every year. From tips on matters concerning health to checkups, there is something for everyone. We will continue extending our support in the future too.”
Among the various events being organized this year are the Harmony & Ecofest National inter-school competitions, Youth Rock Band/Orchestra Festival, Divya Jyoti Medical Masti Youth Festival, All Pathy Conference, All Religious Conference, and Nukkad Natak. The Perfect Health Mela is a great opportunity to for students to have fun while learning.
Dr R N Tandon, Honorary Secretary General, IMA, said, “The PHM focuses on the betterment of societal health and creating awareness on health issues. The health sutras being released today are one of the ways in which this is being achieved. IMA being the knowledge partner urges everyone to follows these sutras for a better and disease-free life.”
The health sutras released include the following.
• High blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol can remain silent for up to a decade.
• A pulse rate of less than 60 or more than 100 is abnormal.
• Weight loss of 10kg can reduce upper blood pressure by 5-20 mmHg.
• Restricting salt intake to less than 6gm per day can reduce upper blood pressure by 2-8 mmHg.
• A 1% increase in cholesterol increases chances of heart attack by 2%.
• A 1% increase in good HDL cholesterol decreases chances of heart attack by 3%.
• Any chest pain, which lasts for less than 30 minutes duration is not a heart pain.
• Keep air pollution (particulate matter PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels) below 80 µg per cubic meter
• To revive a cardiac arrest victim, compress the center of the chest of the victim within 10 minutes of death (earlier the better) at least for the next 10 minutes (longer the better), with a speed of at least 10×10=100 per minute.