Lifestyle diseases poop yuppie's party

THE fastest growing disease in India is diabetes. Every ninth person in the world suffering from hypertension is an Indian.
Obesity is being recognised as an epidemic posing serious health threats, with India slated to have the highest numbers. As the average work day grows longer and sleep-time shorter, work pressureS increase, eating habits go haywire and physical exercise is kept to a minimum.
If you’re a 20-something professional living the above scenario and addicted to cigarettes and booze, you could soon end up as a statistical addition to the first paragraph.
* OBESITY
Dr Srihari Dhorepatil, an obesity specialist, says, “If not controlled at an early age, obesity can lead to a host of medical problems like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and skin problems. In fact, obesity and diabetes go hand-in-hand,� he says. The way out
* Low-fat, nutritious food
* More vitamins and protein-rich food
* Avoid eating out regularly
* Limit time spent in front of the telly and computer
* Daily exercise
DIABETES
Dr Abhay Mutha, consultant diabetologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, says, “There are 40 million Indians affected by diabetes, out of which almost 35-40 per cent are people in the 25-35 years age group. Juvenile diabetes which used to be 5 per cent of the entire affected population, has now gone up to 10 per cent.� The way out :
* Healthy eating
* Exercise
* Regular health check-ups
* Control weight
HYPERTENSION
Says Dr Jagdish Hiremath, cardiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, “Hypertension is caused when a person’s blood pressure goes above 140/90. This can adversely affect the brain, kidney and heart and wreak havoc on one’s health. Today, the incidence of hypertension is 13 per cent. In fact, hypertension and diabetes together affect 24 per cent of the population.� The way out
* Cut down on salt intake and avoid pickles and papads
* At least 30-40 per cent of food should include salads, sprouts and fruits
* De-addiction — quit smoking and drinking
* Regular exercise
HEART DISEASES
“A change of lifestyle and high cholesterol levels cause heart ailments in young people, especially coronary heart disease. Heart diseases in young people have been increasing at an alarming rate, but the good thing is, today we are in a position to diagnose these cases at an early age,� says Dr Sammy Modi, head of department, Cardiology, Jehangir Hospital. The way out
* Low cholesterol diet
* Lots of fresh veggies and
VITAMINS
* Reduce stress and exercise regularly
* If there is a family history of diabetes and heart disease, get regular check-ups.
What causes designer diseases?
* Junk food
* Lack of exercise
* Work pressure
* Lack of sleep
* Smoking and alcohol