I would like to start with a Quote ” India has the dubious distinction of being known as the Coronary and diabetes capital of the world “. The quote though blunt , identifies a problem but raises a solution as well. Our District Governor Gopal has given us a clarion call to take up Diabetes as the primary thrust area in our community and today we witness this very fine Seminar.This is how Rotary is Serving Humanity.
World Heart day founded in 2000 , to inform people around the globe that heart disease and strokes are the world’ leading cause of death, claiming about 17.5 Million each year. It’s an annual event which takes place on every 29th September.
Rotary always moves to take issues related to health with all seriousness. It was year 1993 when Dr Soneji thought of this issue and he accepted a challenge to organize SAVE YOUR HEART Seminar with crystal clear thoughts in his mind to create an awareness amongst the Rotarians of District 3140.
Can you imagine the attendance we had in that seminar ??? Friends , it was over 750 in attendance and Who is Who in this field were the faculty members.
I still remember that Seminar in Juhu Santour and would not hesitate to say that I have never attended such a fine seminar which was so effective and informative. Full marks to Dr Soneji ! And that’s the reason even without seeing my calendar I accepted this invitation. My salutations to Dr Soneji and of course Rotary Club of Bombay Sea coast.
I applaud DG Gopal , Dr Soneji and of course Rotary Club of Bombay Sea Coast for their efforts to educate Rotarians on the problem we face together with the heart disease. The success of the Seminar is directly related to how the information we receive here is spread around at least in our Rotary Families.
As you all know , I am an Engineer by education hence have a limited knowledge about the subject , but what ever little knowledge I have , will try to put before you all.
Heart is one of the most vital or should I say The Most Vital Organ of the human body. It starts its work even before you are born and works relentlessly and without any rest for the duration of your life.
Heart disease, as I said earlier, have reached almost epidemic proportions and are responsible for maximum number of death world wide. Heart disease are preventable and even curable.The ignorance of the communities at large about this facet of heart disease needs to be attended to
When Rotary stepped in to promote Polio Eradication, many were skeptic about its success . Polio affects only a minuscule of people world wide and Rotary took upon itself the responsibility to do some thing about it .And you all know where we are in Polio Eradication World over .
The role of Rotary with regards to heart diseases is clear , it is to creat an awareness about the disease and educate the masses regarding the need to be vigilant and take those steps that are needed to control the incidence of heart diseases .
As heart diseases are normally due to high blood pressure , age , diabetes , high cholesterol, diet , over weight , smoking, , work stress and so on , the awareness program should also include tips and data that will ultimately help control this disease.
Some heart diseases are due to birth defect and some heart problems develop within the first one or two decades due to a condition that is the result of a throat infraction known as Rheumatic Heart Disease . Here the valves of the heart are affected .This form of Heart Disease is preventable to some an extent
Over all , Heart Disease form a major part infirmity in the community that are not necessarily financially compromise. Infect many patients of Heart problems are financially able
When Rotary undertakes a project of Community awareness , it should include among other things
1-the Gravity of the problem .
2-the preventable steps that can reduce the incidence.
3-the facilities available.
4-the need to under go a regular yearly check up , including laboratory and Radiological evaluation .
5- to take medical assistance to reduce the havoc of Heart Diseases .
Rotary Club can do all this and perhaps much more through
1- Intercity Fora to promote awareness amongst Rotarians and the youth wing of Rotary.
2- Community awareness program through community based gathering.
Rotary has the man power , the infrastructure and the financial commitments needed to put the project into motion.What is needed is commitment, compassion and courage to enter into a new field of service.
I once again applaud today’s efforts of DG Gopal, Dr Soneji, RI District 3141 and of course Rotary Club of Bombay Sea Coast,to educate our Rotarians on the problem we face together with Heart Diseases and to work together with Rotractors, inner wheel members , business men parents & children to promote healthy life styles and ensur a brighter future for our people .