School of Public Health PGI observe World Health Day 2016 at Public Health Dispensary Sector 25

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Chandigarh 08^th April:- World Health Day 2016 was observed today at Public Health Dispensary, Sector 25 (PHD 25). The theme for World Health Day 2016 is "Beat Diabetes". Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Prof & Head, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGI highlighted the emergence of diabetes as a major disease burden and the importance of lifestyle modifications, particularly diet and physical activity (Figure 1). He also informed about the complications that can occur with this chronic disease. The President of Sector 25, Krishan Kumar, on behalf of the community, expressed heartfelt gratitude for meeting a long standing need of a health centre in Sector 25 and committed to facilitate healthcare services in the community. He also agreed to the suggestion by Dr. Rajesh for quarterly review meetings.

Dr. Anju Bhatia, Nodal Officer, National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD & Stroke (NPCDCS), U.T. Chandigarh explained the causes, symptoms and management of diabetes, including diet.

Dr. Manmeet Kaur, Associate Professor of Health Promotion, School of Public Health reinforced three key messages on healthy food habits for children and adults by asking the audience to repeat after her.                     

Dr. Lima Jamir, Senior Resident, facilitated an interactive session in which diabetic patients shared how they managed their illness. A 70 year old diabetic patient explained that he does yoga and walking, which has drastically improved his condition. He demonstrated several yoga postures and encouraged the rest to take up yoga and physical activity (Figure 2).

The program was attended by health workers of PHD 25, Anganwadi workers, Malaria Department staff, and 100 community members. Free blood sugar testing was done by Kamal Behl with the kits provided by Dr. Anju Bhatia. Of this, 20% had either fasting or random blood sugar levels above the cut-off values. Tracking of these cases will be done, and they will also be motivated for lifestyle modifications. Pamphlets on risk factors of non communicable diseases and the preventive measures were distributed.