Is YOUR Community Ignoring the Alarming Rise of Lifestyle Diseases? Discover the Shocking Stats Now!

In a significant health initiative aimed at addressing the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases among the youth in Kerala, the ‘Arogyam, Anandam - Vibe for Wellness’ campaign was inaugurated on Saturday at the Azhankal Walkway in Karamana. The event underscored a pressing concern: heart attacks and cancer are increasingly affecting individuals aged 20 to 40. U. Nandakumar, the chairman of CAPSULE Kerala and a former professor of Physical Education and Rehabilitation at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, emphasized the critical need for community-led interventions inspired by international success stories.

“The goal is to move this beyond a local initiative. Given the positive response in Thiruvananthapuram, we plan to expand this campaign across Kerala,” Dr. Nandakumar stated. This campaign draws inspiration from Finland's public health initiatives, which successfully reduced cardiovascular mortality through community-based dietary and lifestyle changes. Such a model is particularly relevant as Kerala faces shifting disease profiles linked to lifestyle choices.

The interactive session featured Dr. Nandakumar engaging with attendees on various health topics, from popular diet patterns to women-centric health issues. His insights addressed common concerns regarding nutritional intake and the effects of sedentary behavior, which are increasingly problematic in today's fast-paced lifestyles.

By involving trained students, the event also aimed to foster youth engagement in health awareness. These volunteers assisted participants in calculating the caloric values of their daily meals, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a protein-rich diet alongside a physically active lifestyle. This is particularly crucial in combating the state's troubling trend of rising lifestyle diseases.

The organizers, including the Azhankal Walkway Protection Group and Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (Kalady unit), highlighted that free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings would continue to be available at the walkway every Saturday. They stress the essential pairing of physical exercise with regulated food intake as a proactive approach to health maintenance.

As Kerala grapples with increasing health concerns among its younger population, the ‘Arogyam, Anandam’ campaign stands out as a beacon of hope. By leveraging community engagement and proven international strategies, the initiative aims to foster a culture of health that not only targets immediate issues but also lays the groundwork for healthier generations to come.

The next phase of the campaign is scheduled for next month, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing health education and community involvement. As the initiative expands, it will serve as a vital reminder of the collective effort needed to combat lifestyle diseases and promote well-being in Kerala.