DUHS Symposium - Healthy lifestyle, exercise, healthy foods must to combat rising cardiovascular diseases: Experts

By Our Staff Reporter Karachi: According to the recent estimates 33% of the Pakistan population above the age of 45 years has hypertension and 25% of the population has diabetes whereas cardiovascular diseases is causing 31% mortality globally. In Pakistan cardiovascular diseases is also becoming more common in Pakistan. There is need to raise awareness among the masses regarding the cardiovascular disease and its prevention. These views were express by experts at a Scientific & Public Awareness Symposium of Cardiovascular Disease organized by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in collaboration with Fulbright Commission, United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) at Dow International Medical College, Ojha Campus. The theme of the symposium was "Healthy Heart Healthy Life: A New Era of Our Generation". The aim was of the symposium was to create awareness about cardiovascular disease and its prevention. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) was the chief guest of the symposium. The symposium started with an awareness walk from Dow Hospital to DIMC. Dr Mukhtar Ahmed sharing views on the occasions said that healthy heart is very important for every individual. There is need to adopt healthy lifestyle, doing healthy exercise and by the intake healthy foods to avoid cardiovascular diseases. Talking about research, he said that research is the integral part of healthcare system and it also has a great impact. It is glad to see that the research has been increased in Pakistan. He urged academicians and stakeholders to provide research culture focused on human health. He also urged the students to work hard for the bright future of Pakistan. He also appreciated the efforts of Prof Masood Hameed Khan and its team in bring the university at par with international standard. Prof Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor, DUHS said that according to the recent estimates 33% of the Pakistan population above the age of 45 years has hypertension and 25% of the population has diabetes whereas cardiovascular diseases is causing 31% mortality globally. In Pakistan cardiovascular diseases is also becoming more common in Pakistan. The numbers are rising fast and, most worryingly, the younger generation too is falling prey to this ailment. There is much change we can bring about with minimal efforts towards improving our lifestyles. He appreciated the efforts of HEC in enhancing the higher education in Pakistan.