STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Understanding the pressing need for cardiac health awareness Head Department of cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr. Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up Camp at 7BN SSB Jammu for defence personnel. The camp aimed to assess the heart health of soldiers, identify risk factors, and offer medical advice for prevention and treatment.
While delivering the lecture Dr Sushil stated that the defence forces are often perceived as the epitome of physical fitness and endurance. However, recent trends indicate a disturbing rise in cardiac ailments among military personnel. Despite their rigorous training and active lifestyle, soldiers are increasingly falling victim to heart diseases. This growing concern demands attention, as it not only affects the health of the personnel but also impacts Family life. Defence personnel operate under extreme pressure, whether in combat, high-altitude areas, or prolonged deployments. The stress of maintaining vigilance, coupled with the burden of responsibilities, contributes significantly to heart-related issues. Soldiers often face erratic schedules, leading to irregular sleep patterns and disrupted biological rhythms. Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
He elaborated that military rations are designed for sustenance, they may not always provide heart healthy nutrition. Additionally, long-term reliance on preserved or high-sodium foods can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Defence personnel frequently operate in extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures in high-altitude regions or scorching heat in deserts. These harsh environments can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Active-duty personnel maintain high fitness levels, many veterans experience a decline in physical activity upon retirement. A sedentary lifestyle, coupled with post-service stress, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Routine cardiovascular check-ups can help in the early detection of heart diseases. Implementing annual screenings as part of military medical protocols can ensure timely intervention.
He added that Providing psychological support and stress management training can help reduce the mental burden on soldiers. Mindfulness, yoga, and counseling services should be integrated into military wellness programs. The defence forces should focus on providing nutritionally balanced meals with fresh fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats. Reducing processed food consumption can significantly lower cardiac risk. Ensuring soldiers get sufficient sleep, even in demanding conditions, can improve cardiovascular health. Policies promoting rest and recovery should be prioritized. Veterans should have easy access to cardiac wellness programs, including fitness routines, dietary guidance, and regular medical check-ups , Encouraging an active lifestyle after service, He Said
In his concluding remarks Dr Sushil Sharma emphasized on the fact that the rise of cardiac ailments in defence forces is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. While soldiers are trained to endure physical and mental hardships, their health must not be overlooked. By implementing preventive healthcare measures, promoting stress management, and ensuring proper nutrition, the defence forces can safeguard the well-being of their personnel. A healthy soldier is not only an asset to the nation but also a testament to the strength and resilience of the armed forces.
Vikas Singh 2 IC (Offg. Commandant), Sumit Nani 2 IC ( Deputy Commandant) and SHQ SSB Jammu Satish Kumar ( Deputy Commandant) appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac Awareness cum health check up camp in their premises and shows their heartfelt gratitude. Others who were part of this camp included Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Dhaneshwer kapoor. Paramedics and volunteers include Kamal Sharma, Ranjeet Singh , Rajkumar , Amnish Dutta , Rajinder Singh , Vikas Kumar , Makhan Sharma, Mukesh Kumar , Rohit Nayyar , Gourav Sharma , Shubham Sharma and Nirvair Singh Bali.