This year WHO's slogan urges us to stay in good health and live
longer. Read on to see how we can win the battle against
non-communicable disease.
April 7, 2012, will mark the 64th annual World Health
Day, which commemorates the inception of the World Health Organisation
(WHO).
Every year, the WHO selects a theme or topic
that represents a current health concern in the world. For the 2012
World Health Day, it has chosen to focus on ‘ Ageing and Health', using
the official slogan “Good health adds life to years.”
While
there seems to be an awareness about the benefits of staying healthy,
especially among the young urban Indians, modern day lifestyles have
resulted in an alarming increase in incidence of non-communicable
diseases. Ranging from less fatal ones such as injuries and diabetes, to
more threatening ones such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, non
communicable diseases are projected to rise from affecting 4.4 per cent
of the population in 2001 to almost 7 per cen by 2025, according to
WHO's study of South Asia. Addressing this issue is going be the next
major health challenge for India.
Of course, many
think that good health comes easy to the youth. Their bodies are young,
systems active and minds carefree. Health wasn't a top priority for the
youth, even about 10 years ago. However, with the growing consumption of
‘fast foods' and increasingly stressful lifestyles, it is time for the
youth to take responsibility for their own good health. The key to
tackling the problem of non-communicable diseases is very much in our
hands!
Regular Checkups:
There's
no such thing as being too careful when it comes to health. According
to WHO and other UN bodies' recommendations, visiting a doctor at least
once every 8-10 months should be a priority for everyone, old or young,
tall or short. This helps not only individuals keep track of their own
well being (as well as that of their families, of course), but also aids
governments and health-care committees in identifying and working
towards the eradication of problems that are most prevalent across the
country.
Exercise:
Most of
us know the value of exercise in sustaining and building good health.
The key is to act upon this knowledge! Make sure that you devote at
least 30 minutes a day, for five days a week in any form of physical
activity of your choice, be it walking, salsa dancing or even sweeping
your home clean, but just do it!
Stay Hydrated:
There's
a reason that 75% of your body is water-based…. it's good for you. So
follow your natural instincts and grab a few glasses of water every time
you have a break.Even if you're not too thirsty, have some water
anyway. And for the times you get bored, try drinking some fresh orange
or lime juice; not only is it hydrating but it also has loads of vitamin
C.
Eat Fresh and Green:
This
is probably one that has been repeated a few too many times, but it can
never be said enough! The one sure way to guarantee bad health is to
stuff your body with ‘junk' foods and carb-filled snacks. Cooking fresh
meals, eating more raw veggies (trust us, some of them actually taste
quite delicious!) and having a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates
and fats all seem to be easy tricks to keeping yourself free from
distress and disease.
How does India fare?
Communicable
diseases, which were a big problem 20-30 years ago have been brought
under control with healthcare plans and vaccination.
The primary cause of communicable diseases in India is lack of clean water and sanitation, according to the WHO
Per Capita total expenditure on Health in India increased from Rs.900 in 1997 to Rs.2250 in 2009
The health care sector is growing at a fast pace; as of 2010, it was almost 8% of India's GDP.
Currently only 10% of Indian households are covered under health insurance.
No comments:
Post a Comment