Chennai: Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP) has embarked on a mission to prevent the occurrence of stroke and coronary artery diseases through early detection and initiating awareness campaign among people.
Based on the results of its pilot project, TNHSP proposes to detect over 17 lakh persons each with hypertension and diabetes and provide appropriate treatment. It is said that massive screening would be resorted to detect the cardio vascular diseases (CVD) and to initiate measures to prevent them from developing complications like stroke and coronary artery diseases.
The urgency in taking up the screening was owing to the high risk posed to the health of the people due to rapid changes in lifestyle and also due to the alarming indication of many health surveys claiming India to have the highest incidence of CVDs and diabetes mellitus by 2025.
In its baseline survey to assess the level of awareness in the community, both in urban and rural areas, on the risk factors leading to CVD in the four districts of Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai and Theni, the TNHSP found the results alarming.
A total of 27,200 samples were selected and the results of the body mass index and blood pressure levels indicated a growing community of people developing symptoms of CVD. Based on this pilot project, it has been proposed to extend and expand a sustainable long-term intervention for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the state.
“Diseases arising due to stress, diet, obesity, BP, CVD and diabetes are preventable. One should become health conscious and follow a proper healthy diet. The best exercise is walking for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week,” says Dr V. Mohan, CMD of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre. “The best option is to take one’s dog for a walk. Or walk the talk, play with children and run behind your grandkids.”
