HYDERABAD — As we
step into 2025, the New Year brings not only celebrations but also a moment to
reflect on the most valuable asset we possess-- our health.
At a time when stress, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles
have become the norm, leading medical professionals are sounding the alarm on
the pressing need for preventive healthcare.
Neglecting our health doesn’t just take a physical toll; it
also brings financial, emotional, and psychological burdens, leaving families
vulnerable to preventable crises.
Hyderabad’s renowned healthcare leaders have come together
to share their insights on how people can safeguard their well-being and lead
healthier lives. From managing stress and staying physically active to securing
financial protection through health insurance, these experts provide actionable
advice for individuals of all ages. Their collective message is clear: taking
small, consistent steps towards better health today can prevent larger problems
tomorrow.
Dr B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMS
Hospitals and a distinguished Cardiothoracic Surgeon, highlighted the
importance of stress management and active living for heart health.
"Stress and obesity are among the greatest threats to
heart health," he said, emphasising simple lifestyle changes such as
reducing screen time and incorporating physical activity to mitigate these
risks. "Let’s work together to make every heartbeat count," Dr Rao
added, urging individuals to prioritise their heart health with nutritious
food, exercise, and a stress-free lifestyle.
Dr Gayatri Kamineni, Chief Operating Officer and Orthopedic
Surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals advocated for everyday physical activities like
gardening, household chores, and walking to simultaneously enhance joint and heart
health. She called for collective efforts to break stereotypes about household
tasks and encouraged both men and women to actively participate in such
activities.
Dr B. Kishore Reddy, Managing Director of Amor Hospitals and
Chief Ortho Oncologist, underscored the importance of medical insurance in an
era of escalating healthcare costs. "Cancer and lifestyle diseases like
hypertension and diabetes are on the rise," Dr Reddy noted, urging
everyone above 40 to undergo preventive screenings. He emphasized the dual
strategy of adopting a healthy lifestyle and securing comprehensive medical
insurance to protect against unforeseen health challenges.
Dr C. Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Consultant
Urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), addressed
the alarming rise of health issues in younger individuals. He pointed out how
lifestyle changes and stress contribute to conditions like kidney stones and
fertility issues. Dr Mallikarjuna advised young people to embrace preventive
measures such as staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and reducing
stress to avoid long-term complications.
Dr Devanand Kolothodi, Regional CEO of Aster DM Healthcare
for the Telangana-Andhra Pradesh Cluster said neglecting health comes with a high
price. He urged people to avoid preventable health crises through regular
check-ups, mindful eating, exercise, and mental well-being. "Let 2025 be
the year we invest in our health for a more secure future," Dr Kolothodi
emphasised.
