HelpAge India, a premier NGO working towards the cause of the elderly in association with Artemis Hospital, organized a camp in Sec 10, Dwarka in Delhi on March 7th, 2010. The Senior Citizen Association of the area rendered full support to the HelpAge India team and the team of doctors from Artemis. Dr. Anil Dhall, Director & Head of Department-Cardiology, Artemis Hospital who was present.at the camp, pointed out the different symptoms one should be aware of before a cardiac attack sets in. He said that heart attacks might be common in people above 45-50 years of age, but due to unhealthy eating habits, lifestyles and unending stress related work even the 25-30 year olds are not completely out of the purview of a cardiac arrest.
To sensitize the elderly about the importance of a healthy heart, HelpAge India used the Pantomime artists from the theatre group, Jagran, to create awareness about the issue by the use of colorful & silent mimes. These mimes were in the in form of interactive plays performed by talented artists. This theatrical show clearly outlined the need of a healthy balanced diet consisting of green leafy veggies, as they are rich in iron content & equally stressed on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The tests that were conducted, comprised, ECG, ECHO, Blood Glucose Monitoring, free consultation with the cardiologist and dietician etc. Approximately 100 senior citizens from the area attended the camp. A corresponding radio campaign was also aired throughout the day on Radio Mirchi urging people to take care of their heart.
This Healthy Heart Campaign, is a little effort, to not only screen the elderly for cardiovascular problems but also create awareness about the issue and give them some tips to take back home, which they could incorporate in their daily lifestyle. After all, in words of Thomas Sydenham, “A man is as old as his arteries.”
Labels: Dwarka city, health camp, News-Events, senior citizen
