New Delhi: Spread of non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems in the country is an even bigger issue than the Covid pandemic, according to Apollo Hospitals Joint Managing Director Sangita Reddy. In an interaction with PTI on the sidelines of an event here, she noted that maintaining health parameters in order is the single most important thing an individual can do to contribute to keeping the country healthy. Director Reddy noted,
Non-communicable disease is a larger pandemic than Covid. We must protect against cancer, cardiovascular, nephro, neuro problems
All these issues are lifestyle related and therefore a healthy lifestyle, preventive healthcare, regular health check-ups, and maintaining health parameters is the single most important thing for any individual to play part in keeping the country healthy, she added.
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On the long-term effects of Covid, Director Reddy said that coagulation factors are being studied now and in the meantime, it is important to stay healthy because co-morbidities create the biggest issues. Further she said,
So keeping diabetes under control, staying fit is very important. Let’s focus on prevention and keep our population healthy
On several fatalities reported due to cardiac arrest while working out in the gyms, Reddy noted that:
It is being studied across, but I think moderation in everything is important. Over-exercising may not be appropriate at this point in time. People should be careful but there is no clear correlation (with Covid).’ Studies are being conducted regarding the matter, I look forward to greater research and partnerships in the Indian ecosystem so we can find answers to these very relevant questions.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diarrhoea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
