Indian Health scene. PVM
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Live well, live healthy
SOURCE FROM -- http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/nxg/article3280161.ece
SAMVITHA RAM
This year WHO's slogan urges us to stay in good health and live
longer. Read on to see how we can win the battle against
non-communicable disease.
April 7, 2012, will mark the 64th annual World Health Day, which
commemorates the inception of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Every year, the WHO selects a theme or topic that represents a current
health concern in the world. For the 2012 World Health Day, it has
chosen to focus on ' Ageing and Health', using the official slogan
"Good health adds life to years."
While there seems to be an awareness about the benefits of staying
healthy, especially among the young urban Indians, modern day
lifestyles have resulted in an alarming increase in incidence of
non-communicable diseases. Ranging from less fatal ones such as
injuries and diabetes, to more threatening ones such as cancer and
cardiovascular diseases, non communicable diseases are projected to
rise from affecting 4.4 per cent of the population in 2001 to almost 7
per cen by 2025, according to WHO's study of South Asia. Addressing
this issue is going be the next major health challenge for India.
Of course, many think that good health comes easy to the youth. Their
bodies are young, systems active and minds carefree. Health wasn't a
top priority for the youth, even about 10 years ago. However, with the
growing consumption of 'fast foods' and increasingly stressful
lifestyles, it is time for the youth to take responsibility for their
own good health. The key to tackling the problem of non-communicable
diseases is very much in our hands!
Regular Checkups:
There's no such thing as being too careful when it comes to health.
According to WHO and other UN bodies' recommendations, visiting a
doctor at least once every 8-10 months should be a priority for
everyone, old or young, tall or short. This helps not only individuals
keep track of their own well being (as well as that of their families,
of course), but also aids governments and health-care committees in
identifying and working towards the eradication of problems that are
most prevalent across the country.
Exercise:
Most of us know the value of exercise in sustaining and building good
health. The key is to act upon this knowledge! Make sure that you
devote at least 30 minutes a day, for five days a week in any form of
physical activity of your choice, be it walking, salsa dancing or even
sweeping your home clean, but just do it!
Stay Hydrated:
There's a reason that 75% of your body is water-based…. it's good for
you. So follow your natural instincts and grab a few glasses of water
every time you have a break.Even if you're not too thirsty, have some
water anyway. And for the times you get bored, try drinking some fresh
orange or lime juice; not only is it hydrating but it also has loads
of vitamin C.
Eat Fresh and Green:
This is probably one that has been repeated a few too many times, but
it can never be said enough! The one sure way to guarantee bad health
is to stuff your body with 'junk' foods and carb-filled snacks.
Cooking fresh meals, eating more raw veggies (trust us, some of them
actually taste quite delicious!) and having a balanced diet of
proteins, carbohydrates and fats all seem to be easy tricks to keeping
yourself free from distress and disease.
How does India fare?
Communicable diseases, which were a big problem 20-30 years ago have
been brought under control with healthcare plans and vaccination.
The primary cause of communicable diseases in India is lack of clean
water and sanitation, according to the WHO
Per Capita total expenditure on Health in India increased from Rs.900
in 1997 to Rs.2250 in 2009
The health care sector is growing at a fast pace; as of 2010, it was
almost 8% of India's GDP.
Currently only 10% of Indian households are covered under health insurance.
Keywords: non-communicable diseases, World Health Day, physical
fitness, health care, healthy living
News Gathered by :
--
V.RAGHAVENDRA RAO,
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