The present generation has become prone to various health diseases and disorders. It is sad that aged parents watch their children die before them. Consuming a healthy diet and involvement in regular fitness activity can help the individual stay fit and healthy. This was the crux of the speech delivered by Dr. Shantha of the Adayar Cancer Institute, Chennai at an awareness programme that was jointly organized by National Service Scheme (NSS) of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) and Ramasamy Chinnammal Trust, Vadavalli, Coimbatore.
“Selfishness and graced to earn with fast food habits have been the causes of life style diseases. Food, exercise and stress have to be managed for better health. Eating chemical free, locally available and seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables traditional instead of fast and convenience foods, avoiding artificial colours and flavours, listening to the body and concentrating more on nutrition rather than taste lead to healthy life.” Dr Shantha said.
Seconding her was Rajalakshmi, Dietarian and Nutritional Consultant who highlighted the fact that 90% of expenditure on health is spent on the last year of life. “Average lifespan of an ordinary Indian has increased from 31 years at 1940 to 72 years at present. But we live too short and die too long due to noncommunicable dies earlier. Maturity onset diabetes once has now income juvenile diabetes due to change in habits and lifestyle.” Rajalakshmi said.
The focus of this programme was to spread the necessary awareness about consuming a healthy diet. Dr. Saraswathi Eswaran, former Professor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University who currently serves as secretary of Ramasamy Chinnammal Trust in her thought provoking address highlighted the importance of millets. “About 11 percent of cardiovascular diseases are reported are in adolescents. As a part of breakfast, it is important to consume 1 gram of protein per kg body weight, eating fats with less carbon and consuming 22 - 30 gram of fat per person per day is recommended. The consumption of 3Gs, Grain, Gram and Greens is important for a healthy life.” Saraswathi said. She also recommended her audience to consume millets as they provide balanced nutrition.
This awareness session was attended by Dr. S. Mahimairaja, Dean (Agri), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Dr. M.R. Latha, Assistant Professor, students and staff of TNAU.