World Heart Day cum Adolescent Health Day was today held at Dkhiah West in East Jaiñtia Hills District under the theme “Use Heart to Connect”.
The programme was organized by the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaiñtia Hills District which was attended by students, teachers and officials of the health department.
Dr. D. Nongpluh, M&HO of Khliehriat CHC spoke about the risk factors which could lead to heart attack and stroke that includes blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, alcohol consumption and smoking among others.
He stressed on the importance of regular medical check up to diagnose a disease or sickness before it poses high risk, while also stating that there is also need to know the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measuring of body fat based on height and weight of a person. He advised the students to practice healthy habits such as eating healthy nutritious meals, proper sleep, regular physical activity which can help them in achieving good health and to avoid smoking tobacco, alcohol, junk food and other unhealthy habits.
L. Lyngkhoi, Circle Inspector, (S) Khliehriat, talked about the offences and punishments under the Protection of Child from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2012 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015. He urged the students to not get involved in activities which are against the law and to choose the right path in life that will help shape their career and in achieving their goals.
Pledges on healthy heart and against teenage pregnancy were taken by the school students as a part of the programme. An extempore speech on World Heart Day was also conducted which saw participation from students of four schools—Little Star Secondary School, Ieng Swer Memorial Secondary School, Dkhiah Presbyterian Secondary School and Khatsoo Ripnar Brightstar Secondary School.
Others who spoke during the programme included C. Tlang, Headman Dkhiah West, D. Passah, Adolescent Health Counsellor, Khliehriat CHC, East Jaiñtia Hills District, Khliehriat and others.
