Modern life, a heavy reliance on automobiles and uncontrolled use of wireless devices are taking their toll on the global population leading to the majority of the ailments and diseases affecting humans. This was repeatedly emphasized by the speakers at a seminar held here recently.
Speaking at the seminar on health care awareness, Dr. Abdul Raheem Moulana, called on the youth to try for one day to do without their vehicles and automatic electronic devices and switch to the “manual mode.”
The resulting physical movements to all the parts of the body would help burn off the excess calories and would prove to be the best possible counter to obesity. “This one day experiment would go a long way in helping oneself,” he said.
The head of Kidney and Hypertension Center, King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Makkah, Dr. Abdul Raheem said never-ending wants and needs and the continuous race for survival are keeping humans in a state of maximum stress. He urged all to spare some time daily for physical exercise in order to prevent chronic diseases -- cardiovascular, hypertension, renal and diabetes.
The Indian Youth Welfare Association (IYWA) organized the Healthcare Awareness seminar at Lasani Restaurant in Jeddah, where a panel of doctors gave lectures and presentation on lifestyle, obesity and childhood obesity a growing menace, prevention and precaution against viral diseases, infertility among youth and precaution against ureteral cervix cancer in females and causes for rampant chronic disease among the youth.
Chief Guest K.K. Vijayan, consul community welfare, called on the community members to help spread healthcare awareness among the masses. Commending the efforts of IYWA, he said healthy people are the backbone for the development and progress of the nation. He also insisted the community members to encourage their children to take part in sports and physical exercises for all round development.
Dr. Abid Moiz, a nutritionist, spoke about obesity in general and childhood obesity in particular. He said the rising incidence of obesity is a growing menace in the developed and developing countries. He exhorted mothers to strictly supervise their children’s diet.
The first step is to plan a balanced diet intake of their kids. Then there should be total avoidance of junk food, fast foods and carbonated drinks. He also stressed the need for a change in lifestyle with self-consciousness physical exercise, healthy food habits, outdoor activity and sports. He called upon the parents to encourage children to give preference to outdoor sports while limiting time on video games and television.
Dr. Iqbal Musani spoke on symptoms, prevention and cures for viral diseases. He advised those who are vulnerable to viral attacks to go in for viral shots as a precautionary measure. He also said that people should give priority to sanitation — both personal and public — and maintain hygiene at home and in public places.
He also touched on the current H1N1 epidemic, and advised that those with flu symptoms should immediately see the doctor. Medication and rest are necessary for those afflicted by this virus. He also said that people should follow all the regulations laid out by the Ministry of Health to stay free of the virus. On the issue of infertility, gynecologist Dr. Sajira Punathil pointed out that hectic and stressful life, deliberate delay by the partners in having a child, prolonged use of contraceptive, modern lifestyle, changed food habits are the main causes for both male and female infertility. She also spoke on the precautionary steps, including medical advice, for having a healthy baby. She also elaborated on the growing problem of cervical cancer in young females, and explained how it could be detected, its symptoms, the precautionary measures and different stages of its treatment.
IYWA President Anees Hyder Zaidi said the group’s objective in organizing the seminar was to create awareness among the community members. He stressed the old adage that prevention is better than cure.
Fuzail Ahmed, vice patron, called on the youth to come forward in creating awareness among the community members.
Al Abeer Medical Group, Badrudin Medical Group, Naseem Polyclinic, Impact Proximity, Alfa Cargo and M.K Cables were the sponsors of the seminar.