Awakening Hearts and Minds: Spreading Knowledge about Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Dr Sushil

Jammu, April 26: In a significant step toward promoting preventive healthcare, Head Department of Cardiology, GMCH Jammu, Dr. Sushil Sharma, held a day-long cardiac awareness cum health check-up camp at Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Mandir, Dhammi Nagrota, Jammu. The initiative was aimed at raising awareness about the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases and educating people on adopting heart-healthy lifestyles to improve  cardiovascular health.

While interacting with the people Dr Sushil highlighted that cardiovascular disease (CVDs) continue to be one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and heart failure are increasingly affecting populations across both urban and rural areas, placing a heavy burden on families and healthcare systems. Despite advancements in medical science, he emphasized that prevention remains the most effective approach to tackling these diseases.

He elaborated on the importance of understanding cardiovascular risk factors, which are broadly categorized into non-modifiable and modifiable types. Non-modifiable risk factors include age, gender, genetic predisposition, and family history. While these cannot be altered, awareness of them helps individuals recognize their vulnerability and take timely precautions. On the other hand, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy dietary habits, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

He stressed that many cardiovascular conditions develop silently over time, often without noticeable symptoms. Hypertension, commonly known as the “silent killer,” along with diabetes and high cholesterol, may remain undetected until serious complications arise. Therefore, regular health check-ups, including monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lipid profiles, are essential for early detection and prevention. He emphasized that public health education must be simple, accessible, and culturally appropriate to ensure maximum reach and impact. Awareness campaigns through television, radio, newspapers, social media, educational institutions, workplaces, and community centers can play a crucial role in disseminating information. He added that healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers, are key to guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyle choices.

Encouraging behavioral change, Dr. Sushil advised people to quit smoking, reduce salt intake, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy body weight, and manage stress effectively. He also highlighted the importance of instilling healthy habits at a young age, noting that schools and colleges can play a pivotal role in educating children and adolescents about balanced nutrition, physical fitness, and the dangers of tobacco and substance abuse.

He further underscored the critical role of government policies and healthcare institutions in promoting cardiovascular health. Measures such as tobacco control regulations, promotion of healthy food labeling, creation of public exercise spaces, and ensuring affordable healthcare access can significantly support preventive efforts. Regular health camps, free screening programs, and public awareness drives are vital in engaging communities and fostering a culture of proactive health management.

Dr. Sushil also spoke about the growing role of technology in healthcare awareness. Mobile health applications, telemedicine services, fitness trackers, and digital platforms have made it easier for people to access health information, monitor their fitness, and seek expert medical advice, even in remote areas. These tools help make prevention a continuous and accessible process.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Sushil stated that spreading awareness about cardiovascular risk factors is a cornerstone of preventive medicine. An informed population is empowered to make better health decisions, adopt healthier lifestyles, and seek timely medical intervention, ultimately reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improving overall quality of life.

The temple management committee, including Sanjay Gandotra, Gourav Bhasin, Balwan Singh, Ram Gopal, Bharat Singh, Vikram Singh, and Parveen Singh, appreciated the efforts of Dr. Sharma and his team for organizing the camp and expressed their gratitude for bringing essential healthcare services to the community.

The camp witnessed active participation from a dedicated team of doctors, including Dr. Venkatesh Yellapu, Dr. Bhola Kumar, Dr. Aditya Sharma, and Dr. Adarsh Sharma. Paramedics and volunteers, namely Rajkumar, Raghav Rajput, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Maninder Singh, Mohd Altaf, Rahul Vaid, Mukesh Kumar, Gokul Jamwal, Shubham Sharma, Anmol Singh , Jatin Bhasin and Mukhtar M