RIYADH, 5 June — Indians constitute a majority of heart patients among the Kingdom’s expatriates, it was disclosed at a medical seminar here.
Dr. Akhil Kumar, an Indian cardiologist, told the seminar held recently that the incidence of heart diseases among expatriates was mainly due to the high consumption of food coupled with lack of exercise. "Here in Saudi Arabia food is cheap. This encourages the people to eat more, while they lead an inactive lifestyle. It is the starting point of all cardiovascular diseases," Dr. Kumar told the seminar organized by Indian Doctors, Engineers, Architects, Accountants and Lawyers Society (IDEALS) under the theme "Health Awareness".
Dr. Nicy B. Joseph, pediatrician at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, spoke on "Immunization in children."
Dr. Kumar said expatriates usually give the excuse that they have no time for exercise. Together with the lack of physical activity, they are also confined to their homes by the hot and sultry weather. As a result, they start gaining weight accompanied by high blood pressure. Moreover, the intake of high-calorie food leads to a build-up of cholesterol, which results in the gradual blockage of arteries.
It is for this reason, Dr. Kumar said, that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases tends to increase, especially during the years 30-50. The problem gets compounded if one is a smoker. Unless one does regular exercise and goes out for a 30-minute walk every day, the gain in weight and high BP could make a person a potential candidate for stroke and heart attack, he observed.
In her presentation, Dr. Nicy Joseph stressed the importance of immunization and vaccination at the right time to prevent infectious diseases, especially hepatitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella among children. She said parents should carry out the vaccination program at the right time for it to be effective. "However, if anybody has failed to stick to the vaccination chart, they should administer the dosage required for a child at that point. There is no need to repeat the previous shots if they were missed either due to oversight or lack of awareness."
Dr. Joseph cautioned that doctors routinely advise parents to repeat all immunization doses. This is absolutely wrong, she added.
Earlier, Zia-ur-Rehman, president of IDEALS, announced the launch of a women’s wing of the society to be headed by Uzma Farzeen, with Afshan Shuja and Hina Zafar as other office-bearers. Amtul Mateen Tasneem outlined the activities of the women’s wing.
Dr. Annie Thomas, vice president of IDEALS, acted as MC, while Shuja Shareef, general secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
