Dialogue on hypertension management on Sept 25

Hyderabad: A 'Media Dialogue on Hypertension Management and Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids' (bad cholesterol or an artificial food that is made in factories or an unhealthy substance that is made through the chemical process of hydrogenation of oils) is being held September 25. The objective of this programme is consumer education. As part of this, media dialogue with experts is planned to sensitise people about the health hazards of the issue.

The burden of non-communicable diseases such as Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Diabetes (a group of metabolic disorders characterised by high blood sugar levels) is increasing in Telangana. This is posing a threat to physical and financial well-being of the people.

One of the main reasons for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases is diet having unhealthy fats. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a healthy diet should have less than 30 per cent of total energy intake as fats. Consumer VOICE, a Delhi-based consumer protection group, is organising the media dialogue with the experts to sensitise the media and through them the public in general.

A Shanti Kumari, Principal Secretary (Health, Family Welfare) and Food Safety Commissioner, Telangana, will deliver a key-note address on 'Telangana's Commitment to Fighting Non-Communicable Diseases.' Dr K Ahankar, Director of Food Safety, Telangana, will speak on 'Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids in Telangana: Policy Perspectives.'

Senior bureaucrats of the Government of Telangana and experts from institutions like NIMS, FSSAI, NIN, CallHealth, ISB School, Apollo, Virinchi Hospitals will participate and deliberate on the subject.