Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
PAU organizes Hypertension Education Camp for Air Force families
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana, May 6, 2024: The Diet Counseling Cell of the Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in collaboration with Air Force Families Welfare Association (AFFWA), Halwara, conducted a camp to identify undiagnosed hypertension (High blood pressure) cases.
Recognizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle management, the camp was aimed to raise awareness and provide nutrition education among ladies to prevent and manage hypertension and related health complications
Dr Kiran Grover, Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, informed that high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and many other health problems. Knowing your number is very important to maintain good health, she observed. Though hypertension is a serious health issue, yet it is preventable, manageable and treatable with cost-effective interventions, she said.
Dr Shruti Jain and Dayadeep Grewal, experts from the Department, conducted an informative session highlighting causes, symptoms and understanding of figures related to hypertension and other health risk factors for the ladies.
The participants learned about lifestyle modifications, making informed food choices, healthy eating plans, stress management and physical activities to prevent and manage these lifestyle diseases. The camp also facilitated blood pressure measurements for all attendees as this initial screening helped identify individuals with hypertension.
The M.Sc students of Food and Nutrition participated in the camp and imparted nutrition education to the ladies with special emphasis on DASH (dietary approach to stop hypertension) diet in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.The students recorded their Body Mass Index and imparted nutrition counseling accordingly.
They also put up a display on metabolic disorders caused by lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating and leading to overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
The President of AFFWA (L) appreciated the efforts of the faculty and students of the department, and remarked that several attendees became aware of their elevated blood pressure during the screening. This early detection will help them to take necessary steps to prevent
complications. Further, motivation for adopting healthy and sustainable lifestyle practices will go a long way in promoting good health of their families as well, added the President.