Dolcy D’Cruz
World Health Day will be observed on April 7, highlighting the theme ‘Together for health. Stand with science,’ encouraging people to take charge of their well-being. Across Goa and India, there is growing awareness about rising cases of heart disease, stroke, and dementia among younger people, prompting many to adopt healthier lifestyles. People are also becoming mindful of hydration, reducing screen time, and maintaining social connections to avoid loneliness. At the same time, regular precautionary tests such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and routine check-ups, especially after 40, are gaining importance for early detection and prevention of diseases, leading to healthier, longer lives. “People are getting conscious of good health as media reports highlight rising cases of young individuals experiencing serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.
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This growing awareness is encouraging more people to adopt healthier lifestyles and make informed choices for long-term well-being. Good lifestyle means a good diet, which includes a vegetarian diet with fruits, whole cereals, grains, and legumes, a little bit of some protein and less of carbohydrates. Secondly, people are aware that they should sleep properly, seven hours of sleep is important. Thirdly, exercise is a must, if not exercise, activity like walking every day is important. Walking in the morning is good because one gets vitamin D from the sunlight,” recommends Dr Wiseman Pinto, professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, and a former Dean of Goa University. Drinking a lot of water is also recommended and he also highlights the importance of being calm. “Your mind should be calm and cool, you should not have too much of stress. You can do this by listening to music, praying, and meditation. One can also prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s by learning new activities, solving quizzes and crossword puzzles, or learn a new language and social interaction with people,” he further adds. The younger generation still struggles with excessive screen and phone use, which can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and disrupt sleep.
Many people especially the elderly also experience loneliness and need ways to stay engaged, such as keeping in touch with family and friends by phone. Awareness about these issues is increasing. At the same time, environmental concerns are growing, pollution is high, and the air we breathe is often contaminated. While addressing pollution requires action from authorities, individuals can help by reducing plastic use and carefully washing food to remove insecticides. Fortunately, today, people are generally better educated and more informed about these health and environmental challenges. WHY ROUTINE HEALTH CHECK-UPS ARE KEY TO EARLY DETECTION Routine health check-ups are essential for identifying potential health problems at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. By detecting issues early, they allow for timely treatment, improving outcomes and helping prevent serious complications.
In addition, early detection reduces the long-term healthcare costs associated with treating advanced illnesses, making routine screenings a crucial part of maintaining overall health. “Nowadays, regular blood tests have become an essential part of preventive healthcare. A complete blood count (CBC) measures hemoglobin (Hb), total count (TC), differential count (DC), and platelets to assess overall blood health. Blood glucose tests, including fasting glucose and HbA1c, help detect diabetes early. Kidney and liver function tests should also be done every two to three years, with follow-up consultations if any results are abnormal. Routine eye check-ups and periodic X-rays every few years are recommended. Young people should stay up to date with vaccines, including the HPV vaccine for girls around 14, which helps prevent cervical cancer, as well as other vaccines for boys to protect against genital and head-and-neck cancers.
Women aged 40–45 should undergo ultrasound screenings for ovarian cancer, and all women are advised to perform monthly breast self-examinations. after their menstrual cycle, seeking medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found,” advises Dr Wiseman Pinto, who says that breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Goa as his department did a study of 11,000 patients for 10 years. Oncologist Dr Shekhar Salkar recommends that after the age of 40, individuals should undergo a yearly health check-up to help prevent diseases and enable early detection. Routine screenings often help identify conditions such as low haemoglobin, diabetes, and high blood pressure, even when a person may not experience any noticeable symptoms. In many cases, especially among women, low haemoglobin levels may go unnoticed until they drop significantly, at which point symptoms like extreme weakness begin to appear.
Dr Shekhar says, “Cancer detection is being supported through dedicated initiatives such as those by the Goa Cancer Society, which offer screenings including tumour markers and other essential tests. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer overall among both men and women, while in men, cancers of the oral cavity, prostate, colon, and lungs are more prevalent. Among women, cancers of the breast, uterus, and ovary account for nearly 70 percent of cases. Although more people are now coming forward for screening, a significant number of patients still seek medical help at later stages, affecting timely treatment outcomes.” Around 30 years ago, when Dr Shekhar began his practice approximately 75 percent of cancer patients used to seek medical help at a late stage. “Today, about 70 percent of patients come for early detection, though 30 percent still present late. People in rural areas tend to be more concerned about their health, while educated individuals often delay care due to busy lifestyles or other priorities. Cancer should be treated as a semi-emergency, as delaying medical attention can significantly impact treatment outcomes,” informs Dr Shekhar
