Cardiac Camp Hosted by Fortis Malar for City Cops and Their Families

Chennai, September 28, 2018: On the occasion of World Heart Day, Fortis Malar Hospital organised a special cardiac camp for police personnel and their families at the Kilpauk Police Community Hall today. More than 200 police personnel participated in special health check-ups and screening activity. Doctors at the camp raised awareness on cardiac related health issues and advocated healthy lifestyle for a healthy heart. The initiative was flagged off by Mr. Loyala Ignatius, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Estate and Welfare Department, Vepery, Mr. Balan V, Inspector of Police, G3 Kilpauk Police Station and Dr. K R Balakrishnan, Director - Cardiac Sciences, Chief Cardiothoracic & Transplant Surgeon, Fortis Malar Hospital. ‘Cardiovascular disease’ (CVD) refers to any disease of the heart, vascular disease of the brain, or disease of the blood vessel and is the world’s biggest killer. The most prevalent cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart diseases like heart attacks and cerebrovascular disease like strokes. There is a significant increase in cardiac cases reported every year. A good portion of this are usually stress related. Given that policing as a profession is a high stress job, cops need to undergo screening regularly.The camp also saw extensive participation from police officers’ families and the public. Commenting on the occasion, Dr. K R Balakrishnan said “The Tamil Nadu Police Department has played a very critical role in helping us attend to emergencies without any barriers for years together. Their awareness about emergencies and immediate assistance at the right time is commendable. However, their relentless effort in safeguarding the city around the clock does put their health under a certain amount of risk. This calls for a medical intervention and education about early cardiac symptoms. We are glad to be sharing the responsibility jointly with the department to conduct this health screening camp that will help identify problems early on; this makes a huge difference to treatments and survivability.” As part of the drive, the doctors at Fortis Malar conducted awareness campaigns amongst the participants. Guiding them for a healthy lifestyle, doctors stressed the need to quit smoking and consumption of alcohol, maintain ideal body weight, get adequate sleep, exercise daily, and eat healthy. The team also educated participants on various techniques to reduce stress, identify early signs of heart complications and when to contact a medical professional. General instructions on CPR for emergency medical support were also given. “Police personnel go through a lot of physical and mental challenges in the form of stress and other medical complications which needs regular attention. It is important to protect the health of our police personnel who give so much for the protection of this city. I am happy that the Fortis Malar team has taken up this cause and inspired them to take care of their heart” said Mr. Loyala Ignatius Fortis Malar is set to organise a day long public cardiac event and an awareness programme at Besant Nagar beach tomorrow (29th September 2018-Saturday). A spin wheel game has been organized for the public to give them tips to maintain a healthy heart. An educational program on cardiac disease and symptoms to look out for will also be conducted.