Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 15: As a part of his health advocacy effort to sensitise the general populace, including prominent sub-groups and vulnerable areas and sections, about the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Sushil Sharma, HoD Cardiology, GMC Jammu and his team conducted a day long camp with the BSF jawans at BSF Frontier Headquarter, Paloura.
The camp was organised by BSF Wives Welfare Association (BWWA) under the supervision of IGP N.S. Jamwal. The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Sushil Sharma in presence of DIG/PSO JC Singh and Dr. Karnail Singh (Commandant, MO). An interaction cum screening of jawans along with their families was conducted as a part of this outreach activity.
While interacting with the BSF Jawans, Dr. Sushil mentioned that members of the armed forces bravely face myriad dangers, challenges, and risks that are external in nature.
What they may not realize is that they face an internal danger as well. It’s the onset of cardiovascular diseases that affects significant majority, and is found in higher than average rates among active duty military and veterans than in the general population. Some studies go on to suggest that hypertension and pre-hypertension is more common among active defence personnel than in the general population. Despite the initial health screening during defence forces recruitment, CVD is still considered as an important cause of morbidity, work loss, and mortality among in-duty defence personnel. Therefore, early detection and treatment of CVD is concomitant to ensure the overall well being of defence personnel,” he said.
Dr. Sushil delineated various risk factors responsible for the prevalence of CVDs among defence personnel.
“Among all the factors, combat exposure largely have long term effects on cardiovascular. However, its effects can be mitigated by healthy coping mechanisms. Largely it has been observed that soldiers often turn to unhealthy methods of coping with the stress. Smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating are all common coping mechanisms that causes rise in blood pressure and increased risk for heart diseases. Coronary heart disease is also much more common in individuals subjected to chronic stress and recent research has focused on how to identify and prevent this growing problem, particularly with respect to job stress and working under tough circumstances like BSF Jawans are doing.
Others who participated in this outreach service include Dr. Nasir Ali Choudhary (Cardiologist), Dr. Dhaneshwar Kapoor, Dr. Ashok Kumar and Dr. Priyanka Bharti. Paramedics and volunteers include Kamal Kishore, Mohd. Altaf, Raghav Rajput, Amandeep Singh, Harvinder Singh, Anmol Singh, Rajinder Singh, Kirti Bhat, Gourav Sharma, Rohit Khajuria, Vikas Kumar and Raj Kumar.
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