State joins World Health Day observance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 07 2012: Like in other parts of the globe, World Health Day was observed here today with a state level function organised by Vision Foundation Manipur at Manipur Press Club.

The observance held under the joint sponsorship of Manipur AIDS Control Society and National Rural Health Mission was attended by former Director of Health Services Manipur Dr S Ibomcha and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president A Mobi Singh as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

Delivering the key-note address, Pioneer Health Club secretary Takhelmayum Tomba informed that observance of World Health Day is held every year since 1950 on april 7 to commemorate the founding of World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948 consequent to the World Health Assembly.

Conveying that this year the observance is on the topic 'Ageing and Health' with the theme 'Good Health Adds Life to years', he said the global emphasis is focusing on new and emerging health issues and initiating collective action to protect people's health and well-being.

Observing that health care of the ageing citizens should be accorded top priority by all concerned, Tomba also advised the youths to strictly follow health guidelines in order to prevent health-related problems in the future.

In his address, Dr Ibomcha said in the 64 years of the global observance WHO adopts different themes each year in order to focus on relevant issues.

Reminding that healthy lifestyle is the only guarantee for ageing without serious health complications, he strongly advocated regular exercises, including nutritious diet in the daily menu, drinking sufficient amount of water, practising positive thinking and regular medical check-ups as some important steps towards achieving goal of healthy living.

Laying similar emphasis on family members taking care of the elderly family members, dr Ibomcha also pointed out that physical well-being automatically leads to mental tranquillity.

He also cited hyper-tension, cardio-vascular, cancer, mental problem and arthritis cases as some common health problems associated with the ageing process.

A Mobi, who also spoke on the occasion, stressed that cordiality of the family environment and a society devoid of violence is most conducive and friendly to the elderly citizens.

The senior journalist also lamented that contrary to the global initiative for a healthy living consumable items are being adulterated in the State thereby negating the very purpose of the WHO-advocated observance.

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