STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Central Govt Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA) in Jammu marked the 34th International Day for Older Persons and World Heart Day with a vibrant celebration, featuring a health talk that emphasized heart health. This event took place on September 29 at the IIPA auditorium, in collaboration with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. Dr. Sushant Kumar, a consultant from SMVD Narayana, delivered an insightful 40-minute talk titled “Healthy Heart Beats Longer.” He focused on both preventive and curative aspects of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), outlining various risk factors categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable. Dr. Ashok Bhan IPS (Retd) member SMVD Shrine Board and former DGP was the Chief Guest and Shri B R Sharma IAS (Retd), State Election Commissioner & former Chief Secretary was the Guest of Honour. Kuldeep Khoda IPS (Retd) President of CGPWA and former CVC & DGP presided over the function. Dr. Sushant elaborated on modifiable risk factors, which include smoking, sedentary lifestyles, high sugar and salt intake, obesity, and high cholesterol. He urged attendees to quit smoking and engage in regular physical activity, recommending 150 to 300 minutes of brisk walking or 75 to 150 minutes of running weekly. Stress management techniques were also emphasized, with Dr. Sushant encouraging participants to adopt stress-busting practices to enhance mental well-being. He underscored the importance of maintaining sugar and cholesterol levels within prescribed limits and reducing salt intake, which can lead to fluid retention in the lungs. He also cautioned against obesity, recommending that individuals monitor their Body Mass Index (BMI). On non-modifiable risk factors, Dr. Sushant mentioned aging, family history, and gender. He highlighted that most heart attack fatalities occur within the first hour and stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical help. He recommended taking blood thinners like aspirin or Sorbitrate to prevent blood coagulation before reaching a healthcare facility. Additionally, he pointed out that maintaining good dental hygiene could mitigate risks associated with CVD. Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd) and member of the SMVD Shrine Board, was the chief guest at the event. He shared his “seven mantras” for keeping hearts healthy in later life. He cautioned against taking up paid jobs post-retirement if financially secure, advocating for engagement in fulfilling activities like music or gardening instead. He advised against overwhelming schedules that could induce stress and recommended avoiding situations that provoke anger. His practical tips included reversing count from 25 to 1 to manage anger and exercising discretion in giving advice, suggesting that sometimes restraint is better than unsolicited guidance.
In his presidential address, Kuldeep Khoda, (Retd) and CGPWA president, commended Dr. Sushant for his informative lecture. He encouraged pensioners to manage expectations and pursue stress-free lives. Khoda also expressed concerns over the commercialization of private healthcare, urging attendees to seek second opinions before undergoing tests or procedures. B.R. Sharma, IAS (Retd), the guest of honor, praised the CGPWA and the Narayana Hospital for organizing the event, which he described as a significant step in raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases and their prevention. The event concluded with a warm welcome from K.B. Jandial, General Secretary of CGPWA, noted that, thanks to advancements in healthcare, life expectancy has increased significantly, emphasizing the need for robust healthcare and support systems for the aging population. He also pointed out that World Heart Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of September, aims to raise awareness about heart disease, which claims millions of lives globally due to lack of awareness and unhealthy lifestyles. The Secretary of CGPWA, B.B. Magotra, delivered a formal vote of thanks, ensuring that the day ended on a note of gratitude and camaraderie among attendees. This event not only celebrated the contributions of older persons but also equipped them with valuable knowledge to maintain their heart health and overall well-being.
