Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) in collaboration with Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA), New Delhi, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) for India and Bhutan, New Delhi  and Kohinoor Hospital,  ‘de-stresses’ on ‘Prevention of Hypertension’ on World Health Day 2013 at Mumbai.
Mumbai, April 7, 2013: “A little constraint and precaution can change your life.” This was the message that Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) in collaboration with  Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA) United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) for India and Bhutan and  Kohinoor Hospital) gave this World Health Day with regard to the fastest growing lifestyle disease – Hypertension.
The theme of the year 2013 given by World Health Organization is “High Blood Pressure”
In an informative and interesting conference held in the town hall of the hospital, was graced by the presence of Mr. Suresh Srivastava, Hon. Secretary General - IFUNA), Ms. Mohini Mathur, Executive Chairperson (MUNA), Mr. A.A. Syed, Hon. Secretary General (MUNA), Mr. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh, Hon. Secretary (MUNA) & President Maharashtra United Nations Youth Association, Major (Dr.) Sachin mane, Head – Medical & Hospital Administration.
Major (Dr.) Sachin mane, Head – Medical & Hospital Administration explained the peculiar feature of the Kohinoor Hospital. “This Hospital is part of the well-known and fast growing Mumbai-based Kohinoor Group. Kohinoor Hospital is Asia’s first and the world’s second LEED Platinum-rated hospital building under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. It is a 175-bed capacity multi-specialty hospital, located at Kohinoor City, Kurla-Vidyavihar. The hospital is equipped with world-class medical equipment and technology.”
Mr. Suresh Srivastava read out the excerpts from the UN Secretary General’s message which are as follows,
“Raised blood pressure, a main trigger for cardiovascular disease, all too often goes undiagnosed because symptoms are rare.  The good news is that when it is detected early enough, relatively simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, heart failure and strokes.  That is why the United Nations encourages all adults to have their blood pressure regularly checked at health care facilities.
Following a healthy lifestyle can add years to all our lives.  The evidence is unequivocal.  Cutting down on the consumption of processed salt, eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, getting regular exercise, reducing stress and avoiding tobacco use minimize the risk of developing high blood pressure and further consequences such as strokes or heart attacks.”
Mr. Ashraf Ahmed Shaikh introduced the theme, he explained the importance of World Health Day observance all around the globe. He further elaborated the role of United Nations, WHO and UNAs in fulfillment of their objectives and need for creating awareness for the welfare of public at large.
Mrs. Mohini Mathur explained the various activities of MUNA and appreciated the role of youth of the organization in making outreach. She has also spoken about the ill effects of High Blood Pressure and its effects. Ms. Mathur explained said the theme “High Blood Pressure” is extremely important as it’s a silent killer and most of the people are not aware about their raised blood pressure.
Dr. Altamash Shaikh, Consultant Endocrinologist & Metabolic Physician, Dr. Rakesh Singh, Consultant Neurophysician, and Dr. Ramesh Rao, Consultant Nephrologist, enlightened the audience on how to tackle hypertension with small lifestyle changes.
1 out of every 3 people is a victim of hypertension. People fail to consider the prevention aspect of hypertension. When a person gets to know that he has high blood pressure, he considers it to be a normal phenomenon that cannot be prevented. Lifestyle changes like reduce in consumption of alcohol and tobacco; increase in physical activity and healthy food intake can help in prevention of high blood pressure.
Doctors of the country have been successful in eradicating epidemics like small pox, polio and malaria which was very prevalent in the past. Kerala, known for its damp climate, reported very few cases of Malaria in the previous year. Also, there was no case reported of Polio from India in the previous year. Hence if people take necessary precaution, Hypertension too can be similarly eradicated.
Mr. A.A.Syed, Secretary General, MUNA, Proposed vote of thanks and in his address he thanked all the partner organization for coming together for such an important and relevant cause on health.
The programme was concluded by a free blood pressure, blood sugar and weight check for all the delegates present in the observance. Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) has also launched its website on this occasion www.muna.org.in by the auspicious hands of Adv. Suresh Srivastava, Secretary General – Indian Federation of United Nations Associations (IFUNA).
WHO Country office for India has sent WHO information Kits on this occasion, we are thankful to them.