By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: Pakistan is witnessing an alarming increase in the burden of heart and other diseases. The lack of lifestyle changes is contributing to the emergence of cardiovascular and other health conditions among younger generations. Parents have been urged to discourage the growing trend of fast food consumption among children.
Medical experts expressed these views while addressing a medical camp organised in collaboration with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday.
The medical camp was attended by Karachi Press Club President Fazil Jameeli, Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan, senior journalists Maqsood Yousufi and Muhammad Naseer, Health Committee members Tufail Ahmed, Shafqat Bhatti, Israr Sheikh and Siraj Amjadi. Representing Aga Khan University Hospital were Dr. Javaid A. Khan, Professor of Pulmonology, Dr. Yawer Saeed, Assistant Professor of Cardiology, AKUH faculty members, Adil Siddiqui from the Communications Department, spokesperson Shabbir Alam and others. Various medical tests, including echocardiograms and ECGs, were also conducted at the camp.
Speaking on the occasion, Karachi Press Club Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan appreciated Aga Khan University Hospital for organising the medical camp at the press club. He noted that private healthcare was increasingly becoming unaffordable for ordinary patients. He also thanked Aga Khan University Hospital and its Communications Department for facilitating access to healthcare services for press club members.
Dr. Javaid A. Khan, Professor of Pulmonology at Aga Khan University Hospital, emphasised that physical activity, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases. He highlighted the need to discourage fast food consumption among young people and encouraged increased intake of vegetables and other nutritious foods.
Dr. Javaid A. Khan stressed that lifestyle modifications were a pressing necessity and that regular physical activity could help reduce the risk of various diseases. He also urged people to avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption, emphasising that tobacco is harmful to health and that preventive measures can significantly reduce the risks of related illnesses.
Dr
Yawer Saeed, Assistant Professor of Cardiology, stated that cardiovascular diseases were increasingly assuming epidemic proportions in Pakistan and across Asia. He noted that over approximately the past decade, an increase in heart attack cases had also been observed among younger individuals.
Dr. Yawer Saeed emphasised the importance of dietary moderation, advising people to avoid excessive eating and adopt a balanced and nutritious diet. He added that positive lifestyle changes could play a significant role in reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases.