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While the monsoon season brings relief from the scorching heat and humid weather, it also brings the risk of various monsoon diseases, including typhoid, malaria, and viral fever, among others. To safeguard yourself from falling prey to these illnesses, it is crucial to prioritize hygiene and pay careful attention to your eating habits. Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle during this season can be achieved by incorporating nutritious foods into your diet, with a special emphasis on fruits. Fruits not only provide essential nutrients but also offer numerous reasons why they should be an integral part of your rainy season diet. Let’s explore four compelling reasons why you should include fruits in your diet this rainy season.
1. Fortifies Defences: The immune-boosting properties of fruits are particularly valuable during the monsoon season. By including a variety of fruits in your diet, you provide your body with a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. This fortification acts as a shield against the common monsoon diseases that thrive in this season, enhancing your resistance and overall well-being.
2. Keeps Hydrated and Refreshed: Adequate hydration is the key to combat the damp and humid conditions during the rainy season. Fruits, with their high water content, serve as natural hydrators, replenishing your body’s fluids and electrolytes. Their juicy and refreshing nature not only quenches your thirst but also helps in maintaining optimal hydration levels throughout the day.
3. Provides Nourishment of Essential Nutrients: Fruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients necessary for a healthy body. They provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, contributing to overall nutrition. Incorporating a wide variety of fruits in your diet ensures that you receive a diverse range of these vital nutrients, supporting your body’s functions and promoting vitality.
4. Aids in Digestion and Detoxification: The monsoon season often leads to digestive discomfort due to the increased risk of waterborne diseases and dietary indiscretions. Fruits, known for their high fibre content, aid in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Furthermore, certain fruits possess detoxifying properties that help eliminate toxins from the body, keeping your digestive system healthy and functioning optimally.

Conclusion
By including fruits in your rainy season diet, you not only enhance your overall health but also mitigate the risks associated with the season. Embrace the goodness of fruits to strengthen your immunity, stay hydrated, nourish your body, and support proper digestion. Make them an integral part of your diet this monsoon season for a vibrant and thriving well-being.

The author is a chief dietician at Jindal Naturecure institute, Banglore

A recent study has noticed that there has been an alarming increase in hypertension cases among the working population as people have gone back to a sedentary lifestyle and stressful working hours. The study by Jindal Naturecure Institute, reveals how this transition, especially after the new normal, has resulted in individuals having limited time for crucial activities such as yoga, exercise and a healthy diet, exacerbating the prevalence of hypertension.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not timely treated. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
“The return to a sedentary lifestyle in the new normal has reduced physical activity and increased reliance on unhealthy dietary choices. During COVID or even after the lockdown ended, people were concerned about their immunity and were actively following a healthy diet and exercise. But now people are back to their normal routine of unhealthy eating with no physical exercise. People are bound to their desks without any breaks. This has contributed to a rise in hypertension cases among the working population, placing them at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases”, says Dr. Babina, Chief Medical Officer at the Institute
Data compiled by JNI for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 highlights a significant rise in the number of people admitted to their institute with complaints of hypertension. While comparing the data collected during the said duration, there has been a noticeable rise of 153.42% in hypertension patients.
Further analysis of the age-wise breakdown reveals a concerning trend. In the age group of 19-35 years, there was a 200% increase in male patients (from 24 to 72) and a 425% increase in female patients (from 4 to 21) from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023.
Similarly, in the 36-50 years age bracket, there was a 171% increase in male patients (from 196 to 532) and a 152% increase in female patients (from 116 to 293) from the previous year.
The most worrisome surge was observed in the 51-70 years age group, where there was a 132% increase in male patients (from 429 to 994) and a 153% increase in female patients (from 338 to 854).
Even in the older population (>70 years), hypertension cases rose significantly, with a 300% increase in male patients (from 30 to 120) and a 154% increase in female patients (from 24 to 61).
In India, the percentage of individuals effectively managing their hypertension is approximately 12%. This statistic highlights the concerning reality of uncontrolled blood pressure, which serves as a prominent contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) like heart attacks and strokes. Alarmingly, CVDs account for a significant portion, specifically one-third, of the overall mortality rate in India.
Adopting a sedentary lifestyle can harm cardiovascular health, including the hardening of arteries and the accumulation of plaque within them. When arteries become stiff and narrow, it places additional strain on the heart’s pumping action, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
Engaging in the regular practice of Yoga, irrespective of its specific form, offers the potential to relax muscles and counteract the effects of elevated blood pressure. Beyond its direct impact on reducing blood pressure, consistent Yoga practice can also mitigate the risk factors associated with hypertension.

Obesity is a major contributor to preventable lifestyle-related deaths worldwide, and addressing this issue requires a significant effort. The prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver, has reached endemic levels. This is just the beginning of a much larger problem, and raising public awareness is crucial in order to overcome this growing burden.
Did you know that 90% of Type 2 diabetes patients are either obese or overweight? This indicates a strong connection between obesity and diabetes, which scientists refer to as ‘Diabesity’. Unfortunately, this modern epidemic has affected 25% of the industrialized world. However, the good news is that it is preventable, and the metabolic syndrome and its side effects can be reversed with the right measures.

Hazards of obesity:
Obesity is the condition where the body accumulates excessive amounts of fat, which can lead to various diseases such as high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia), Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease with risks of stroke, and cancer.
Obese individuals are more likely to experience breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start.
Health conditions such as gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, gynaecological issues like infertility and irregular periods, as well as sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction, can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is also a common condition that often affects the knees, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks.

Fight against obesity:
India is considered to be the diabetic capital of the world, and it is crucial for us as a nation to take action to reverse this. The keys to achieving this are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. By making lifestyle modifications early on in the course of obesity, medication may not be necessary. It’s easier to reverse the harmful effects of obesity without medical supervision when we’re just starting to gain weight, making it the best time to implement lifestyle changes and exercise.
When our BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2, we are considered obese and may need medical help to achieve optimal results. However, with proper supervision, we can reverse the effects of obesity at this stage. If morbid obesity sets in, with a BMI over 40 kg/m2, there is a high chance that medical and conventional therapies will fail. In this case, Bariatric Surgery becomes necessary and is the most beneficial option for our health. Therefore, it is better to prevent obesity than to cure it.

What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery is a weight loss procedure that involves restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or a combination of both. It also leads to positive hormonal changes that bring about various health benefits.
Nowadays, weight loss surgeries are typically done through minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Patients can often walk shortly after the surgery and typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Popular procedures include Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Surgery, both of which can be done with minimally invasive keyhole surgery.

Current Recommendations for Bariatric Surgery
Indian Guidelines
BMI≥37.5
BMT≥32.5 and at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities. Gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.
Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss for a sustained period of time with prior weight loss efforts.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery:
Bariatric Surgery can result in significant and sustained weight loss of 40 kg or more, rather than just 10-15 kg. This weight loss can last for years and can also improve or resolve associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. Due to its metabolic benefits, it is sometimes referred to as metabolic surgery. The surgery not only improves quality of life, but also helps to increase longevity for high-risk obese patients. Additionally, the surgery can have positive effects on mental health by resolving issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of self-esteem, and singlehood, which are commonly experienced by severely obese patients.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw is the HOD and Senior Consultant, GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery, Sanar International Hospitals

In many circumstances, whether in a woman, a man, or both spouses, a thorough medical examination can identify important contributory factors that may benefit from treatments and may need to be treated with assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
But in a significant number of cases, no reason for infertility is identified. A recent study done by ‘The Nutrients’, a journal by MDPI published in Harvard Medical School reveals that some of those cases may be related to inflammation. If so, will an anti-inflammatory diet or lifestyle helps in boosting fertility?
Exploring the connection between inflammation and infertility
Numerous diseases, including cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, have been related to chronic inflammation. Despite the fact that its significance in infertility is not entirely known, some research suggests a connection:
• Inflammatory diseases like infection, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome increase the chance of infertility.
• Systemic (body-wide) inflammation may have an impact on the cervix, uterus, and placenta, affecting fertility.
• IVF-assisted infertile women who followed to an anti-inflammatory diet had greater pregnancy success rates than those who did not.
Q. Could an anti-inflammatory diet improve fertility?
A.It is a real possibility. Dr. Shobha Gupta continued by saying that decade ago, experts noticed that women who followed a fertility diet were more likely to ovulate frequently and become pregnant.
An analysis of several research published in 2022’s Nutrients reveals that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet may help those who are having trouble getting pregnant.
Despite the fact that the trials’ diets were created years apart, they have many things in common.
Although the specific mechanism is unclear, an anti-inflammatory diet may boost the success rates of assisted reproductive techniques like IVF and improve male sperm quality.
The researchers indicated that adopting a healthier diet may even lessen the requirement for invasive, time-consuming, and expensive fertility procedures. More high-quality research is required to support this, though, as the quality of the studies and the consistency of the findings differed.
Q.Will adopting an anti-inflammatory way of living improve fertility?
A. Despite the fascinating nature of new studies, there is little proof that an anti-inflammation strategy can increase fertility. Improved heart health is only one of the numerous advantages of adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, which also includes eating a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean diet.
It’s unclear whether this is a direct result of less inflammation. But there is little to no danger involved in this strategy. It can also supposedly combat disease, according to an abundance of convincing data.
Q. What is an anti-inflammatory lifestyle or way of living?
A. Doctor recommends:
• Adopt a diet that avoids red meat, heavily processed foods, and saturated fats while promoting plant-based meals, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil.
• Quit vaping or smoking.
• Shed extra pounds.
• Engage in some exercise.
• Get adequate rest.
• Manage inflammatory disorders including allergies or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol excessively.
• Manage stress.

Conclusion
It’s possible that an anti-inflammatory diet or way of living can aid in infertility. Inflammation may play a significant and unrecognized role in infertility. However, in order to prove this, we need further proof. Until we learn more, it makes sense to take steps to enhance your general health and perhaps lessen chronic inflammation.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a ray of hope for couples facing fertility challenges. However, there are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding IVF that can lead to confusion and misinformation. In this article, we will debunk common myths and present the facts about IVF, providing you with accurate information to better understand this effective fertility treatment option.

Myth 1: IVF is the first-line treatment for infertility.
Fact: IVF is not always the initial treatment for infertility. In many cases, couples can explore less invasive and more cost-effective treatments, such as fertility medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or lifestyle modifications. IVF is typically recommended when other treatments have been unsuccessful or when specific infertility factors require more advanced intervention.

Myth 2: IVF guarantees a successful pregnancy.
Fact: While IVF has significantly improved pregnancy success rates, it does not guarantee a positive outcome in every case. Success rates depend on various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos, and underlying fertility issues. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that multiple IVF cycles may be necessary to achieve a successful pregnancy.

Myth 3: IVF is only for older women.
Fact: While age can impact IVF success rates, it is not a limiting factor. IVF can benefit women of various age groups, including those with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, or ovulation disorders. Younger women generally have higher success rates due to better egg quality and ovarian reserve, but IVF can be a viable option for women of all ages.

Myth 4: IVF increases the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Fact: IVF does carry a slightly higher risk of multiple pregnancies compared to natural conception. However, advances in technology and medical protocols have made it possible to reduce this risk significantly. Fertility specialists can carefully monitor and control the number of embryos transferred during IVF to minimize the chance of multiple pregnancies and their associated complications.

Myth 5: IVF is the same for everyone.
Fact: IVF is a personalized treatment that is tailored to each individual or couple’s specific circumstances.
The protocols, medications, and procedures involved in IVF can vary based on factors such as age, underlying fertility issues, and medical history. Fertility specialists assess each case individually and design a customized treatment plan to optimize the chances of success.

Myth 6: IVF always involves genetic manipulation.
Fact: IVF itself does not involve genetic manipulation. However, there is an advanced technique called pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), which can be performed during IVF. PGT allows the screening of embryos for certain genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus. PGT is an optional procedure and is not a mandatory part of IVF.

Myth 7: IVF is extremely painful and risky.
Fact: IVF is generally a well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort. The process involves using fertility medications to stimulate egg production, followed by egg retrieval under mild sedation.

Conclusion
Understanding the myths and facts about IVF is crucial for anyone considering or undergoing fertility treatment.Remember, consulting with a qualified fertility specialist is essential to receive personalized guidance and determine the most suitable treatment approach based on your unique circumstances.
Trustworthy information and professional support are key to making informed decisions and increasing your chances of a successful outcome with IVF.
The author is a MD (AIIMS) DSAGE (Germany) and Senior Gynecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon & Infertility Specialist.

Excerpts
Q: Nowadays, the topic fertility is very common, could u explain what makes you to write book on it?
A: Infertility remains shrouded by innumerable myths and misconceptions in India. Infertile women still continue to suffer from discrimination and ostracism and often pay a high price for their childlessness. This, in turn, contributes to a loss of self-esteem and creates emotional, marital, and economic insecurity in them. They are often very vulnerable and gullible, and they are ready to do anything to have a baby. Because they know so little about infertility and are so desperate to have a baby, many infertility doctors continue to take them for a ride.
I wrote this book for many reasons-
I wanted to break the barriers of shame and stigma that surround infertility and dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. I also wanted to help protect couples who cannot have children and to make sure that they get the right medical care and mental support they need.
I wanted people to know the emotional turmoil and the unspoken grief and suffering that infertile couples go through in their agonizing journey of infertility so that they can be more empathetic and more understanding towards these couples.
I also wanted to let the infertile couples know that they are not alone in this deeply personal journey and thought my stories would offer them solace, and support.
I also wanted to give hope and inspiration through these stories and teach them resilience, unwavering determination, and faith.
Q: What have you learned while writing this book?
A: I have realized that being an IVF specialist is my Ikigai. I have realized how blessed I am to be an IVF specialist because I can create not just babies but create families and change the lives of so many people for the better. I am grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to marry science, art, craft, and compassion to be able to make a difference in so many people’s lives.
I have also realized that the thing that gives me immense joy and happiness in my work is seeing that special smile on an infertile couple’s face when they first find out that their treatment has succeeded. Though I have treated thousands of patients from all over the world and more than 15,000 babies have been born as a result of my treatment, even today after all these years, seeing that special smile on my patients’ faces still fills my heart with indescribable joy.
Reflecting and reminiscing about my patients and their treatments while writing this book has helped me become a better version of myself. This book, if nothing else, has made me a more complete human being, a little wiser, a little more fulfilled, and a lot more grateful than I have ever been in my life.
Q: What suggestion will you give to infertile couples to have children?
A: I would tell them that there is no need to hide the fact that they are having difficulty conceiving, from their close family and friends. Infertility is not a stigma and there is no need to be ashamed of it. It is a medical disorder just like any other medical disorder, like diabetes or heart disease.
I would advise them not to give up hope and to keep on trying because today technology has advanced so much in the field of assisted reproductive technology, that almost any couple can have their dream of having a baby come true.
As fertility declines rapidly over the age of thirty-five and even more so after the age of forty, one should visit a doctor as early as possible if one is having trouble conceiving.
Infertile couples are also very gullible and vulnerable, so I would encourage them to read about infertility and get the right information. This will not only help them make well-informed decisions with their doctor but will also prevent them from being taken for a ride or being cheated.
At the same time, I would tell them not to get stressed, remain positive, and have faith in themselves, in their doctor, and in God.
I would also like to emphasize that there is no need for them to give up trying. There are many options that they can explore, from child-free living to adoption to using advanced reproductive technology. Today, there are multiple ways of having a family, and I want to encourage couples to explore these rather than regret the fact that they wasted their chance to have a family because of preconceived notions.
Every baby is truly a blessing, whether they are conceived in the bedroom or in the IVF lab!

Athena Behavioral Health (ABH) proudly organized a carnival event, “Promoting Better LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Well-Being,” on July 15, 2023 at The Muse Sarovar Portico in collaboration with Bellissimo Team. The event aimed to create a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on their mental health, inclusivity, and empowerment. ABH recognizes the marginalization faced by the LGBTQ+ community and is committed to promoting their well-being and fostering a sense of belonging through this transformative event.

The event featured a diverse range of speakers from prominent walks of life who shared their experiences, insights, and expertise on LGBTQ+ mental health and well-being. The speakers included influential LGBTQ+ advocates, mental health professionals, and community leaders who have dedicated themselves to uplifting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The speaker panel comprised Devika Manglamukhi, Advisor to Transgender Welfare Board, UP Govt; Damini Sinha, activist, co-author, and public speaker in the field of transgender inclusion, awareness, and empowerment; and Dr. Charu Dutt Arora, social entrepreneur and LGBTQ community health issue advocate.

In addition to the enlightening talks, the event offered engaging theatre workshop by Vatsla Khera, theatre and visual artist and entrepreneur. The workshop was designed to provide practical tools, strategies, and resources for enhancing mental health and overall well-being in the LGBTQ+ community. The workshop covered topics such as self-care practices, navigating societal challenges, building resilience, and promoting healthy relationships.

Creating a safe space for networking and fostering connections was a significant aspect of the event. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share their stories, and build supportive relationships within the LGBTQ+ community. Athena strongly believes that building strong community ties and support networks is vital for promoting mental health and empowerment.

Participant also had the chance to enjoy captivating dance performances by Gagandeep Sharma, India’s first Tanoura dancer. The different expressive arts counters encouraged the participants to express themselves freely. Carnival games and interactive activities added a touch of fun, allowing participants to unwind, engage with others, celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, and experience the joy of communal celebration.

“We are thrilled to organize the ‘Promoting Better LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Well-Being’ event,” said Dr. Shradha Malik,Founder of Athena Behavioral Health. “We recognize the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of creating spaces that prioritize their mental health and overall well-being. This event will serve as a platform for education, connection, and celebration, fostering a sense of empowerment and belonging within the community. By coming together at such platforms, we can create a stronger, more inclusive society that values and uplifts the mental health and well-being of all individuals.”

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya held various bilateral meetings with member countries at the 76th World Health Assembly, in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighting India’s G20 Presidency philosophy of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, the Union Health Minister stated, “Jamaica lauded India’s achievement in digital health, pharmaceuticals, and health system strengthening and agreed to sign MoU to institutionalize collaboration in the healthcare sector.” Commending India’s health priorities, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of, the World Health Organization praised India’s progress in its G20 presidency, as well as its pursuit of advancing digital health and traditional medicine.

Aligned with India’s health goals, the deliberations with the United States Secretary of Health, Xavier Becerra centred on collaboration in healthcare and pharma sectors as well as issues related to Global Health Architecture.

The Maldives delegation expressed their gratitude for India’s aid for vaccine support during the Covid-19 pandemic and expressed their desire to collaborate with India in the areas of drone technology, research and innovation research, and health system strengthening.

Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Al Sabti, Minister of Health, Oman, vastly appreciated India’s G20 health priorities and agreed to strengthen the collaboration in pharmaceuticals, digital health, communicable diseases, and digital health.

Moreover, the Union Minister of Health congratulated Nisia Trindade Lima Minister of Health, Brazil on the upcoming G20 presidency as well as agreeing to participate in future endeavours pertaining to health workforce capacity building, disease surveillance, TB eradication, AMR, and traditional medicine

Mandaviya also conducted bilateral meetings with the Health Ministers of Bangladesh, Iran, Innovators, Venezuela, Argentina exploring areas of collaboration in fortifying healthcare systems and enhancing capacities for disease surveillance, eradication of Tuberculosis, Anti-Microbial resistance and capacity building amongst other domains.

The World Health Organization today commended Sri Lanka for enacting a legislation on trans-fat to protect health and prevent premature deaths from coronary heart disease.

“Eliminating trans-fats from food supplies is a cost-effective measure with enormous health benefits. By enacting legislation on trans-fat, Sri Lanka has once again demonstrated its resolve to protect and promote health of its people,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.

The legislation restricts levels of industrially produced trans fats in oil and food, and bans partially hydrogenated oils, the primary source of trans fats in food.

Since 2018 WHO has been working with countries for eliminating trans fat from food supply. High trans fat intake increases the risk of death from any cause by 34%, coronary heart disease deaths by 28% and coronary heart disease by 21%.

In WHO South-East Asia Region, 9 million deaths, almost 69 percent of all deaths, are due to non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular diseases being a major cause.

WHO has been advocating for multi-sectoral approach to address non-communicable diseases in South-East Asia Region as flagship priority since 2014.

The Regional Director said accelerating progress towards eliminating trans-fat through best-practice policies, monitoring and surveillance and healthy oil replacements can drive progress in our efforts to address non-communicable diseases.

In 2018, WHO released REPLACE, a step-by-step guide to help achieve elimination of industrially produced trans-fatty acids from the global food supply by 2023.

The Region continues to make significant headway against trans fats, in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives by implementing the REPLACE protocol across Member countries.

By 2022, Thailand, India and Bangladesh had adopted regulations for the elimination of trans fatty acids in the food supply. With Sri Lanka implementing new regulations, the collective efforts by countries would now potentially protect over 1.6 billion people from the harm caused by trans fatty acids.

Nepal and Indonesia are making good progress to limit trans fats and Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Timor-Leste have made policy commitments.

Implementation of trans fat regulations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases is part of SEA HEARTS initiative launched recently by the South-East Asia Region that aims to accelerate action to reduce deaths due to cardiovascular diseases.

Trans fats can be easily replaced with healthier alternatives without compromising the taste or availability of food, to enhance the health and wellbeing of people and also help attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets of reducing premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases by one-third by 2030.

Hypertension is the single most important leading cause of cardiovascular disease mortality globally and in the WHO South-East Asia Region. With almost half of the people with hypertension in the Region unaware of their condition there is urgent need to scale up hypertension services, to prevent, detect and control hypertension.

“Hypertension is often called a ‘silent killer’ as many people are unaware of their problem which if left untreated, can lead to disability, poor quality of life or even a deadly heart attack or stroke,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, adding that “the only way to know is to get your blood pressure checked regularly.”

While a quarter of the adult population in the WHO South-East Asia Region has high blood pressure, only one in three are on treatment while just one in ten adults with the condition have it under control.

Modifiable risk factors for hypertension include unhealthy diets such as excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables; physical inactivity; consumption of tobacco and alcohol; and being overweight or obese. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco and being more active can help lower the risk of blood pressure.

“Hypertension disproportionately impacts low-and middle-income countries, affecting not just health but all areas of social and economic development,” said Dr Khetrapal Singh.

Since 2014, prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has been a flagship priority in the Region with targeted efforts to combat hypertension and control NCDs through evidence-based and cost-effective ‘best buys.’

Making focused efforts, all countries in the region have established baseline population salt intakes to study consumption patterns in comparison to WHO recommended salt intake of less than 5g per person per day.

Three countries are implementing front-of-the-pack labelling for consumer awareness. Around 1.6 billion people are protected from the negative effects of industrially produced trans fats through legislation limiting trans fats in food. The Region has witnessed the steepest decline in tobacco use and is on track to achieve an average reduction of almost 32% by 2025.

The Region is prioritizing actions through South-East Asia HEARTS initiative (SEA HEARTS) which strives to bring together tobacco control, salt reduction, and elimination of industrial trans-fat along with hypertension and diabetes coverage and control through primary health care.

Over the past five years, 10 million more people with hypertension have accessed protocol-based management, almost doubling the control rate, from 26% to 47%.

Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control it, Live Longer, is the theme of this year’s World Hypertension Day which aims to raise awareness of importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications while emphasizing on prevention, detection and treatment.

“Together, the achievement of these targets will significantly increase our prospect of attaining the NCD-related SDGs to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third, and create a healthier, more equitable and sustainable South-East Asia Region for all,” said Dr Khetrapal Singh.

WHO remains committed to supporting countries to reduce hypertension as a public health problem and accelerate progress in ensuring equitable access to hypertension services so that people can live a healthy life to their full potential.