World Health Day 2013 at Sangam University Bhilwara Rajasthan

Online, April 10, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity says WHO (World Health Organization) established on 7 April 1948.

No one has doubt that high blood pressure - also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension - increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregularities of the heartbeat and heart failure. The risk of developing these complications is higher in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes. One in three adults worldwide has high blood pressure and 214 million Indians are projected to be hypertensive by 2030.The proportion increases with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5 in 10 people in their 50s.

9.4 million Indians die due to hypertension every year, according to WHO and nearly a third of young Indians - 33 per cent of men and 32 per cent of women under 25 - have hypertension. However, high blood pressure is both preventable and treatable. In some developed countries, prevention and treatment of the condition, together with other cardiovascular risk factors, has brought about a reduction in deaths from heart disease. The risk of developing high blood pressure can be cut down by: reducing salt intake; eating a balanced diet; avoiding harmful use of alcohol; taking regular physical activity such as brisk walking; maintaining a healthy body weight; and avoiding tobacco use.

The ultimate goal of World Health Day 2013 is to reduce heart attacks and strokes. Specific objectives of the campaign are: to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of high blood pressure; to provide information on how to prevent high blood pressure and related complications; to encourage adults to check their blood pressure and to follow the advice of health-care professionals; to encourage self-care to prevent high blood pressure; to make blood pressure measurement affordable to all; and to incite national and local authorities to create enabling environments for healthy behaviours.

At Sangam University Bhilwara which has established a rich tradition of observing days of national and international importance on a regular basis, World Health Day was duly observed. A team of faculty members appraised different groups of students on the significance of the day and the above details about hyper tension. A blood pressure testing camp was also organized in which large number of students and faculty enthusiastically participated.