Heart to Heart

British library has organised a three-day “Healthy Lifestyle for Healthy Heart” campaign to mark Doctors’ Day. The event,which started on July 1,is being held in association with Prime Heart and Vascular Institute,Mohali. Dr UP Singh,a leading cardiologist,said,“Indians are genetically prone to heart disease and are three times more vulnerable than Americans.” He advised daily exercise for 40 minutes with five minutes of brisk walking and two minutes of jogging. “Eat 50gm of dry fruit and at least three helpings of fresh fruit or salad daily,with fish twice a week to help prevent heart disease,” he said. Library members are entitled to a privilege card from the hospital and have their heart profile created.

Skin Sense
On the occasion of Doctors’ Day,National Skin Hospital began a two-day advanced specialised campaign on Auto-Immune Skin Disorders. In an auto-immune disorder,the immune system attacks the body’s own cells rather than working to defend the body against malignant cells,causing degeneration of organs and an inability to fight infection. Auto-immune skin disorders are related primarily to the skin,although they can involve symptoms that are not external. Dermatologist and Dermato-laser Surgeon,Dr Vikas Sharma headed the team that educated patients about various auto-immune skin disorders and their symptoms. He also detailed the factors which could trigger or increase an existing disorder.

The National Skin Annual Report has highlighted a rising incidence of auto-immune skin disorders like psoriasis,lichen planus and pemphigus. “Doctors should stress upon diagnosing disorders at an early stage so as to guard society against increasing threats by various viral and auto-immune skin disorders,” summed up Dr Vikas.