Jammu, Feb 9: In his continued efforts to raise awareness about the prevention of cardiac ailments through a healthy lifestyle, Dr Sushil Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Jammu, organised a day-long cardiac awareness and health check-up camp at Akhara Deewan Mandir, Jammu.
The camp aimed to educate people on heart health and promote preventive measures at the grassroots level. During his interaction with the attendees, Dr Sushil Sharma highlighted the growing prevalence of cardiac ailments such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. He stressed that while medical treatments are crucial, regular exercise plays a vital role in strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. He also cautioned that individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should follow a structured and supervised exercise regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Dr Sharma elaborated on the multiple benefits of exercise for cardiovascular health, stating that it not only enhances heart function but also helps regulate key risk factors, including high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, physical activity contributes to stress reduction and overall mental well-being, further benefiting heart health. However, he emphasised that not all forms of exercise are suitable for heart patients, and any physical activity should be tailored to an individual’s medical condition and fitness level. He categorised exercises into three main type—walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and water aerobics are generally safe and beneficial for most cardiac patients.
‘Brisk walking, light jogging, dancing, and resistance training can be beneficial for individuals with stable heart conditions,” he said. As far the exercises that should be avoided, Dr Sharma said high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy weightlifting, sprinting, and competitive sports involving sudden bursts of activity can put excessive strain on the heart and should be undertaken only with medical clearance. He advised all heart patients to consult their healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine, emphasising the importance of gradual progression and regular monitoring.
The event received overwhelming support from the local community and the management committee of Akhara Deewan Mandir. Committee members Bodh Raj, Sanjeev Kerni, Swaran Lal, Rajkumar, Rajinder Singh, Vishav Pratap, Pankaj Mehra, and Dheeraj Sharma expressed their appreciation for Dr Sushil Sharma and his team, acknowledging their dedication to public health awareness. Several medical professionals and volunteers contributed to the successful execution of the camp. The team included Dr Yashwant Sharma and Dr Dhaneshwar Kapoor, along with paramedics and volunteers such as Kamal Sharma, Raghav Rajput, Ranjeet Singh, Rajkumar, Rohit Nayyar, Rahul Vaid, Maninder Singh, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Arun Singh, and Nirvair Singh Bali. The camp provided free cardiac check-ups, counselling sessions, and personalised advice on heart-healthy habits, empowering attendees with practical knowledge on preventing heart disease through lifestyle modifications.
