Minister Sarang bats for healthy lifestyle:Addressing a convention in Bhopal, says, ‘India must urgently act as diabetes and heart attack cases rise sharply’

The two-day 23rd National Conference on Diabetes and Heart Disease started on Saturday at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre (Minto Hall) in Bhopal. The event was organised by ISCDEE CC and brought together experts from across the country to talk about the rising danger of lifestyle-related diseases. A healthy lifestyle is the only protection, says the minister Madhya Pradesh Cooperation, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Vishwas Sarang, while inaugurating the conference, said that lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks can be prevented by adopting a healthy routine. He stressed that regular exercise, balanced food habits and disciplined daily practices are the strongest protection against such illnesses. Q: Why is lifestyle change so important in preventing diseases?A: “Because these are lifestyle-linked illnesses,” the minister said. “If we maintain fitness and good habits, we can prevent major health risks before they even begin.” He also said that medical services must reach villages more effectively, and doctors should volunteer their services in rural areas.
Doctors must stay updated, says World Heart Federation official Presiding over the session, Dr Nirbhayraj Shrivastava, Vice President, World Heart Federation, said that structured medical education has become essential. He stressed that such conferences are important because: Q: Can doctors rely only on journals and the internet?A: “No. Detailed and updated information on diabetes and heart disease often cannot be obtained so easily,” he said.
India is facing fast-rising cases Organising Chairman Dr Mansariya presented alarming statistics: He said heart attacks are not a disease in themselves but a condition that worsens when lifestyle is ignored. To stay healthy up to the age of 80, he suggested following the “Rule of 80”, which includes targets such as 80 cm waist, 80 mg LDL cholesterol, 80 minutes of walking, and limited alcohol consumption. A stroke needs immediate attention Neurosurgeon Dr Vineet Kothari cautioned that stroke is now a common emergency. Sudden weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping must be treated urgently. Q: How much time is available to save a stroke patient?A: “If the patient reaches within four to five hours, clot-dissolving medicines can prevent permanent brain damage,” he said.
New era in heart treatment Cardiology expert Dr Abhijit Mansariya highlighted that new technologies, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have become a “third eye” for cardiologists. These technologies ensure that stents are placed correctly and offer better outcomes than angioplasty performed without them. Heart rhythm disorders: advanced solutions available Delhi-based heart specialist Dr Durgesh Nayak said rhythm-related heart diseases should be treated not only with medicines but also with advanced options like RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) or AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator). 1,000 doctors attend knowledge sessions Experts also discussed insulin pump therapy, CPR, paediatric cardiology, heart failure treatments, and emergency drug protocols for heart attacks. Nearly 1,000 doctors from across India attended the sessions. Conference Chairman Dr S.K. Tripathi thanked the delegates and praised the active participation of all doctors.