A CORRESPONDENT
BOKAKHAT: World Hypertension Day was observed on Saturday at Bokakhat Natya Mandir through an awareness meeting that brought attention to the rising cases of hypertension among youth. Speaking as the keynote speaker, renowned cardiologist Dr Shashank Baruah expressed concern over the increasing incidence of high blood pressure and heart-related diseases among younger students, which, he noted, now surpasses the rates seen in senior citizens aged over 60.
Dr Baruah attributed this alarming trend to the consumption of junk food, smoking, tobacco chewing, and the use of intoxicating substances among young people. He highlighted how, two or three decades ago, students engaged in regular physical activities like walking or cycling to school, whereas today, such habits have declined significantly. In addition, he pointed out that increasing mental stress due to family, social, political, and economic pressures is making today’s youth more vulnerable to lifestyle-related illnesses. He emphasized the urgent need for spreading awareness about hypertension starting from the school and college levels.
The event was jointly organized by the voluntary organization Sahaya (Badulipar) and the Bokakhat Senior Citizens Association, with support from the Bokakhat Sub-Divisional Journalists’ Association. The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Pradeep Khaound, followed by the inaugural speech delivered by Assam State Journalists’ Association President, Jitu Sharma Rajkhowa. The meeting was chaired by Sahaya President, Chandan Gogoi.
Following the awareness meeting, over two hundred people participated in free health check-ups that included ECG, blood sugar, and blood pressure screenings. Retired bank officer Amrit Kumar Nath also demonstrated yoga and pranayama techniques beneficial for managing high blood pressure. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bubul Dutta, president of the Bokakhat Sub-Divisional Journalists’ Association.
Earlier in the morning, a walkathon titled “A Step for Health…” was organized to promote health awareness. The event saw active participation from senior citizens and was inaugurated by Dr Shashank Baruah.
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