An eclectic mix of medical and health-related topics was deliberated on at a healthcare awareness seminar organized by the Indian Youth Welfare Association (IYWA) recently in Jeddah. Specialists in various medical fields shed light on topics ranging from childhood obesity and viral diseases to infertility, chronic diseases among youth and urethral cervical cancer in females, via their informative presentations. Chief Guest K.K. Vijayan, community welfare consul at the Indian Consulate, called upon the community to extend their cooperation in spreading healthcare awareness among the masses. One of the speakers, Dr. Abdul Raheem Moulana, head of the kidney and hypertension center, King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Makkah, urged the youth to allot some time on a daily basis for physical exercise and avoid becoming overstressed in order to prevent chronic diseases. “Our modern life with its labor-saving devices is the root cause of most ailments and diseases affecting mankind. At least once in a week one must get some exercise in order to use up the excess calories in the body,” advised Dr. Moulana. Dr. Abid Moiz, nutrition department consultant at the Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, spoke about obesity, in general, and childhood obesity, in particular, which he said has become a growing menace in the developed and developing countries. He stressed the need for a change in lifestyle, which includes incorporating in one's daily routine physical exercise, healthy food habits, outdoor activities and sports. Speaking on one of the most burning health-related topics was Dr. Iqbal Musani, who made a presentation on the symptoms, prevention and cure for viral diseases, such as the H1N1 flu. He advised those “who are vulnerable to viral attacks to have viral shots as a precautionary measure, sanitize their surroundings and maintain hygienic conditions at home and public places”. He said over-the-top precautionary measures and heavy protective gear are uncalled for in public places so as to avoid panic among the masses. Gynecologist Dr. Sajira Punathil listed the main causes for male and female infertility, which include: a stressful lifestyle, unhealthy food habits, deliberate delay in childbirth by the parents and the prolonged use of contraceptives. Anees Hyder Zaidi, IYWA president, and Fuzail Ahmed, IYWA vice patron, also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Muzzamil Hussain, IYWA chief coordinator, welcomed the gathering; event coordinator Sherwoddin Khan briefed the audience on the panel of speakers, while the proceedings were conducted by Khurram Illyas. Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, general secretary of IYWA, presented a vote of thanks.
