TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa has recorded the second highest per capita consumption of alcohol, according to study titled “Healthcare Abnormality Report 2013–14”, by Indus Health Plus.
The study claims that Goans consume much more than the average number of one to two drinks per day, and that the excess intake leads to chronic kidney diseases, further leading to hypertension.
Younger Goans between 25–45 years are being affected by lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) followed by diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
However, hypertension is common among both males and females in the 35-40 years age group due to work stress.
Also 20 to 30% young professionals are obese with 22 % population suffering from CVDs and 20.27% of males and females suffering from diabetes.
The study claims that high level of alcohol consumption and Western culture habits observed here would put some 45-50% of the population including young professionals and working women at a higher risk of hypertension.
Lack of exercise also added to the high levels of blood pressure amongst youth with 85% of the population owning a vehicle which has added to lack of physical activity.
The study covered over 8000 people across the State between the age group of 25 to 65 years. Compared to communicable diseases, Goans are more prone to lifestyle diseases, the study claims. Heart problem is common in urban Goa however; of late it has been observed that there is a rise in such cases in rural Goa as well.
The report also highlighted that 10.69 % of males and 8.82% of females are obese.
Smoking and lack of exercise added to the high levels of blood pressure amongst the youth.
Anaemia and breast cancer are also common among females in Goa with low intake of iron-rich food causing anaemia especially in pregnant women.
Goa records 250 new cases of breast cancer every year.
According to Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Expert and Joint MD Indus Health Plus, the study documented that lifestyle diseases are on the rise due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. High intake of coconut and dietary shift to red meat increase the risk of various diseases.
•Total sample 837; Males – 521 Females – 316
•Maximum risk age: 25 – 40 years
•45% don’t indulge in physical activity
•High intake of junk food and alcohol
•35-45years age group developing joint pain and losing stamina to exercise
•High risk of weight gain for men and women
•Average person goes from healthy at 26 to obese by 40 years
