K M Dayashankar
HYDERABAD, AUGUST 04, 2024: On the occasion of National Vascular Day, a walkathon was organized in Hyderabad by the Vascular Society of India (VSI) to focus on the critical issues of amputation prevention and vascular health awareness on Sunday. The walkathon saw enthusiastic participation from over 350-400 residents, who gathered at Durgam Cheruvu Lake Front Park to join the cause. The event was a part of the national walkathon which brought together over 15,000 participants across 30 cities including Hyderabad.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 million limb amputations occur globally each year, with a significant portion being preventable through early intervention and proper management of risk factors. In India, around 40-50% of all amputations are due to complications from vascular diseases, particularly diabetes. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness and preventive measures to manage risk factors like high blood sugar, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Flagging off the walkathon, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Chevuturu, Secretary of Vascular Society of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh (VASTA) said, “Peripheral vascular disease is the leading cause of limb loss, far surpassing trauma-related amputations by nearly eight times. In the wake of this, city-wide walkathon participants joined forces to promote fitness and rally against vascular diseases, with a shared goal of an amputation-free future. This Vascular Society of India initiative stressed the empowering role of early intervention and maintaining vascular health in preventing amputations.”.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Tapish Sahu, Secretary of the Vascular Society of India, stated, “Our objective is to enhance community health by establishing a comprehensive vascular healthcare framework, striving for an amputation-free India. The overwhelming response across the nation is very encouraging. It is inspiring to see so many people come together for such a vital cause. The walkathon not only highlights the importance of vascular health but also underscores the power of community in driving change.”
“Today’s event is a significant milestone in our mission to reduce preventable amputations in India,” said Dr. P C Gupta, President of Vascular Society of India. “The nationwide participation demonstrates the growing commitment to vascular health and the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.”
Preventing vascular diseases requires a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with the avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, plays a crucial role in vascular health. Additionally, managing underlying lifestyle conditions through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of vascular complications. Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to inform people about these preventive measures and the importance of early detection and treatment of vascular conditions.
The Vascular Society of India, a prominent chapter of the World Federation of Vascular Societies, collaborates with an extensive network of medical specialists, surgeons, interventionalists, nurses, and allied health professionals, all dedicated to the cause of saving limbs and lives. With over 700 active members across the country, VSI stands as one of the largest and most influential chapters globally, consistently working towards mitigating preventable amputations and enhancing patient care in the vascular health domain.
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