Mumbai, November 13, 2016 (GPN) : India is known for having 64.5 million diabetic patients; a number expected to grow in the coming years. With startling numbers like these, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim has taken it upon themselves to create awareness about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis of diabetes. This year, as a prelude to World Diabetes Day 2016, the Endocrinology department at P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim organized a Walkathon with the message ‘Walk out on Diabetes’ with Diabetic patients to emphasize the importance of exercise for a healthy living.
Hinduja Hospital & MRC’s Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. NF Shah and Deputy Director – Marketing, Mr. Rajiv Himmat releasing balloons to flag off World Diabetes Day 2016 Walkathon-Photo by GPN Network
The annual Diabetes Walkathon which is in its 4th year was attended by more than 130 people from across the city of Mumbai. This year the walk was led by management staff, doctors and senior staff along with common citizens. The event consisted of a glucose checkup for all participants, and commenced from the hospital to Shivaji Park, and back followed by an informational session and a KBC format quiz contest on Diabetes for the participants.
Motivating the participants to take up a healthy lifestyle, Aarti Chhabria, Actress and Model said, “I am extremely proud of P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC for inviting me and giving me this opportunity to be part of this initiative that is encouraging everyone to live a healthy and positive life. I have always believed that the secret to being healthy is not just exercising but also in believing in it. To further explain, let me quote one of my favourite mantras from the book- The Master Key- ‘I am whole, I am perfect, I am strong, I am powerful, I am loving, I am harmonious and I am happy’. Say these words every day, exercise every day and you will live a happy, positive and healthy life.”
Exercise Tips for Diabetic Patients:
o Regularly exercise for half an hour
o Use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator
o Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time
o Always stay active by engaging in various activities. Example- Household chores
Current Indian statistics state that the number of diabetic patients have risen from 11.9 million in 1980 to 64.5 million in 2014. With numbers like these, it is estimated that every 5th diabetic in the world is Indian. Globally, it has been found that 1 in 2 adults suffering from diabetes remains undiagnosed, thereby increasing the probability of complication and premature death. In contrast, studies suggest that up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be avoided by simply adopting healthier lifestyles.
Today, WHO has estimated that atleast 80% of deaths caused by diabetes occur in low and middle income countries, bringing into focus India- a country largely made of low and middle income class people. “The current situation only accentuates the importance and need for us as a responsible healthcare organization to make sure that we make the maximum difference to the lives of people. Through this initiative our goal is to incorporate walking as an important part of exercise in the daily routine of everyone in this city,” said Mr. Gautam Khanna, CEO, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC.
P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC’s Deputy Director – Marketing, Mr. Rajiv Himmat and Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr. NF Shah participating in a Walkathon organized for diabetes patients as a prelude to World Diabetes Day 2016-Photo by GPN Network
Dr. Phulrenu Chauhan, Endocrinology and Diabetes Consultant & Section Coordinator Department of Endocrinology, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC said, “Walking is the best and most cost effective exercise for most ailments including diabetes. Walking for 30 minutes every day cuts your risk of contracting diabetes by one-third and for those who are overweight, reducing their weight by 5%-10% can reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by half. I would only urge those wanting a healthy lifestyle, not to quit exercising and encourage others as well.”
