Indeed, a highly enlightening event on the prevention of stroke, memory, and heart problems was held in SCWA-Vasant Kunj. A team of doctors led by Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kamleshwar Parsad, ex-HOD neurology, AIIMS, conducted this very useful program for senior citizens assisted by Dr. Avadh Kishore Pandit, Dr. Shashi Kant, Dr. Satyavir Yadav, and Dr. Puneet Misra.
The team of doctors was welcomed with bouquets by President Zile Singh and others. Mohan Sethi, founder of the Citizen Forum, was requested to moderate the program.
All these doctors are well-versed in their respective fields, like neurology, community medicine, and heart disease.
They apprised us about the effect of lifestyle and food habits on our health. A periodic preventive health check was suggested. People with diabetes and BP need to be very careful and must control these diseases, as they can lead to serious consequences. The loss of memory in our late years is a normal thing and should not be worried about. Elders should always try to learn something new, possibly from their grandchildren. More social interaction is helpful rather than being alone. Some games with children will keep the mind healthy. The proverb “Use it or lose it” is very true about our brain.
A healthy and happy life is possible with small changes. Proper sleep of 7 hours is a must for good health. Some walking or light exercise at least five days a week is recommended.
The value of community medicine was explained. The benefits of community participation in the Cohort Study at AIIMS by way of periodic checks and blood tests are manifold, not only for our own generation but for our coming generations too, this being a longitudinal study/project.
It is heartening that increased stress is being laid on the care and welfare of senior citizens by various organisations and the Indian government.
There was a question-and-answer session in which all the doctors gave replies to the satisfaction of the surging crowd, which was spread even outside the main hall, which was filled beyond capacity.
Subhash Khanna, general secretary, gave a vote of thanks to the doctors and the assisting team for such a useful program, which was like “kuyan pyase ke pass aaya ho.”
In the end, sponsored by the team, tea, and snacks were also served. All praise to Mohan Sethi, who was instrumental in arranging this program.
Zile Singh, President SCWA, presenting bouquets to Dr. Kameshwar Prasad, AIIMS Ex Chief-Neurosciences
