Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 14: Continuing with its programme for creating awareness among pensioners on diseases affecting senior citizens, the Central Govt Pensioners Welfare Association, Jammu (CGPWA) visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Superspeciality Narayana Hospital, Kakryal for a Health Talk on "Taking Care of Your Liver as We Age".
Dr. Rahul Khajuria, Consultant Hepatology, delivered an awareness talk, focusing on the lifestyle changes that become increasingly important with advancing age.
The President, CGPWA, Kuldeep Khoda presided over. Present on the occasion included Dr Ashok Bhan, member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Ashok Angurana, B R Sharma and General Secretary CGPWA, K B Jandial.
In his 30-minute awareness talk, Dr Khajuria highlighted that liver health is closely linked with diet, body weight, diabetes, cholesterol and overall metabolic health, and stressed that many liver-related problems can be prevented or controlled through timely lifestyle modification. He placed special emphasis on nutrition and advised avoiding or limiting fried and processed foods, excess sugar, sugary beverages and foods high in unhealthy fats. He encouraged a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, adequate protein and proper hydration. He also underlined the importance of portion control, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding unnecessary supplements or self-medication that may adversely affect the liver.
Dr Khajuria said that regular physical activity is equally important for healthy ageing. Along with walking and routine exercise, he encouraged strength and weight training to help maintain muscle mass, improve metabolism and support overall liver health. He advised visiting members of CGPWA to remain physically active, monitor their weight and metabolic parameters, and seek timely medical advice rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Listing a smart diet, Dr Khajuria said on cooking oil, "less is more" and advised to take 4 to 5 teaspoons of oil a day i.e. about 20 to 25 grams, cautioning that all oils have 100% fat irrespective of brand. Similarly, he advised senior citizens to take 1 to 1.2 grams of high protein per kg of body weight. According to him, a person with 60 kg weight needs 60 to 72 grams of protein. For persons with liver cirrhosis, it should be 1.2 to 1.5 gram per kg weight. For diabetic patients, his cryptic quote was "steady sugar, healthier liver" with advice against skipping meals. Meals should be taken at fixed times in small portions, firstly vegetables and salad followed by roti or rice. They must walk 10 to 15 minutes after meals. He said that "regular exercise lowers liver fat even before the weighing scale moves".
The lecture was followed by a question answer session.
Khoda said that the advice given by Dr Rahul Khajuria needs to be strictly followed by the senior citizens to lead a long and healthy life. He appreciated the role of the CGHS empanelled SMVDS Narayana Hospital in providing best of medical care to the pensioners and other senior citizens and thanked the management for such awareness lectures.
Earlier, Director Facility Dr Yash Pal Sharma welcomed the members of the CGPWA to the Hospital and assured best services to CGHS beneficiaries and other people of Jammu.
Nisar Ahmad presented a formal vote of thanks.
Earlier, the visiting members of CGPWA were taken around the Nursing College of the Shrine Board where the PG classes in four disciplines have started this year.
The CGPWA also called on the Vice Chancellor of the SMVD University, Prof Pragati Kumar who apprised the pensioner about landmark achievements of the University. On behalf of the CGPWA, Dr Ashok Bhan honoured Prof Kumar with a memento. |
