Straight from the Heart: IMA Advertisements on Public Health

IMA is a duly registered association of doctors practicing modern system of medicine in all states/UTs of India. IMA has its own Memorandum, Rules and Bye-laws.

One of the objectives of IMA is to promote and advance medical and allied sciences in all their different branches and to promote the improvement of public health and medical education in India. Further, for the attainment of the said object, IMA can publish and circulate journal for the same.

In view of the above objective, IMA had published various advertisements in national newspapers thereby creating awareness among the public at large on various public health topics like Blood Pressure, Hypertension, etc. In the said advertisement, IMA is not promoting or endorsing any brand or company. Further, the said advertisement on public health published by IMA is not barred under the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics as the said Code of Ethics does not bar the publication of advertisement relating to public health awareness. In fact, as per the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics, the registered medical practitioner is allowed to  publish under his own name on matters of public health, hygienic living or to deliver public lectures, give talks on the radio/TV/internet chat for the same purpose and send announcement of the same to lay press. It is pertinent to mention herein that IMA does not fall under the jurisdiction of MCI but as IMA is an association of doctors practicing modern system of medicine, so IMA always ensures that its working is as per the provisions of MCI Code of Ethics.

Thus, there is no illegality in publishing the advertisement relating to public health awareness and education.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

Childhood obesity a major public health crisis today

On World Obesity Day, awareness needs to be created on the fact that small steps at home and school can prevent obesity in children

New Delhi, 25 October 2017: Statistics indicate that India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China. About 14.4 million children in the country are overweight as per findings. Obesity is the leading cause of many health problems and globally, about 2 billion children and adults suffer from such issues. The rate of increase in obesity among children today is alarmingly high when compared to adults, indicates the IMA.

Childhood obesity can be identified by measuring the Body Mass Index or BMI. Children with a BMI in the range of 85% to 95% are classified as being obese. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay so way into their adulthood. They also stand the chance of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a relatively younger age.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. India has not been spared either. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing. A multifactorial disorder, unhealthy diet – eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt (junk food, processed food) and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to this escalating epidemic. Today, TV, internet, computer and mobile games have taken precedence over outdoor sports. Childhood obesity is well-recognized as a precursor to obesity in adulthood. Most obese children grow up to be obese adults. Overweight and obesity in childhood also predispose children to other lifestyle disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome later in life. Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent and control obesity in children.”

Obese children and adolescents are more prone to bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “It is important to start inculcating good nutritional habits from the beginning in children. Ensuring enough physical activity right from an early age is an equally important aspect of every child’s growth. Prevention of lifestyle diseases should start early. Schools can help in shaping the lives of students and have a very important role to play in the battle against childhood obesity. Healthy habits in childhood lay a foundation for a healthier adulthood. The IMA’s Aao School Chaleinprogramme aims at this and more.”

Here are some tips that parents can follow at home to tackle obesity and unhealthy habits in children.
• Encourage healthy eating habits right at the onset.
• Try making favorite dishes healthier. Few changes can make even snacks healthier.
• Avoid tempting children with calorie-rich food. It is okay to treat them but in moderation and by limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks.
• Make kids understand the importance of being physically active.
• Lead by example. Indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day.
• Reduce sedentary time. While reading is a good option, too much of screen time is not.
• Replace screen time with the outdoors and fun activities to keep children engaged.

MDR TB should be declared a public health emergency

MDR TB should be declared a public health emergency Not adhering to prescribed medications can lead to MDR TB in existing TB patients New Delhi, 13 August 2017: As per available statistics, India accounts for one-fourth of the global TB burden of both TB and MDR TB. About 1.3 lakh incident multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB cases occur in India every year, including 79,000 MDR-TB cases among the notified pulmonary cases. As per the IMA, to prevent the epidemic of MDR TB, it should be declared a public health emergency. Multidrug resistant (MDR) TB is TB resistant to both isoniazid and rifampicin with or without resistance to other first-line anti-TB drugs. Extensive drug resistant (XDR) TB is TB resistant also to a fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin, levofloxacin or moxifloxacin) and a second-line injectable anti TB drug (kanamycin, amikacin or capreomycin). Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in the country. Despite advances in TB care, the disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. And, it takes a heavy toll on the economy too. Emergence and spread of drug-resistant TB has become a major public health concern now. A person can acquire MDR TB in two ways. First is when a person does not take drugs as instructed by the health care provider or does not take the correct drugs. This situation is likely when the bacteria are resistant to more drugs than the health care provider has prescribed. One can also get MDRTB if they become infected with TB bacteria from another person who already has MDRTB. This is known as primary TB.” The symptoms of MDR TB are similar toregular TB: severe cough lasting for three weeks or more, bloody or discolored sputum, night sweats, fever, fatigue and weakness, pain in the chest, loss of appetite, pain in breathing or coughing, and weight loss. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “A person can develop XDR-TB if the treatment for MDR TB fails. The treatment for this acquired disease is lengthier, more complex, and expensive. At time, XDR TB can even be impossible to treat and be a death sentence. It is difficult to estimate the incidence of XDR-TB is as many laboratories are ill-equipped to detect and diagnose it. As a result, many of the cases go undocumented.” Here are some tips prevent TB. • Vaccination Newborns must be given the BCG vaccine to protect them against TB. • Keep your immunity high Vaccines may not be able to provide life-long protection. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consume a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, exercise regularly, and stay fit. • Maintain good hygiene Certain simple hygienic practices such as covering the mouth while coughing, not spitting in public places, etc. are good ways to avoid infections from spreading. Wash your hands before eating and drink clean water. If you are around someone you know is suffering from TB, avoid direct contact with them. • Take medications on time This is one of the major reasons for acquiring MDR TB. People who have the infection are carriers of the disease. If they don’t adhere to the prescription, the TB bacteria can develop resistance to the drugs.