Moul Mouj Foundation, Help Foundation conduct free specialised health camp

Srinagar, Nov 1: In a collaborative effort to enhance elderly healthcare, Moul Mouj Foundation and Help Foundation organized a free specialised health camp for seniors at the Help Foundation office at Beerwah, Budgam.

The camp focused on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of various ailments common in elderly populations, offering blood investigations, geriatric consultations and free medications to attendees.

A key finding at the camp was the prevalence of poorly managed diabetes and hypertension among elderly patients already on medication. Many exhibited high blood sugar levels and uncontrolled blood pressure, despite ongoing treatment. Senior Geriatric Consultant Dr. Zubair Saleem noted that patients were either inadequately treated or were not adhering to prescribed regimens. He emphasized that many seniors believed they should only take blood pressure or diabetes medications when symptoms, like headache or perceived high sugar levels, were present.

Dr Saleem explained in his statement, "Medications prescribed for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are intended to keep these diseases under control. When markers like blood sugar or blood pressure return to normal, it does not mean the medication should be stopped; only a healthcare provider should adjust or discontinue such medications." He further clarified that while some medicines, such as those for infections or pain, are prescribed temporarily, others for conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and dementia are essential for ongoing management and should not be interrupted without professional guidance.

The camp provided extensive counseling on medication adherence and the importance of combining proper diet and exercise with medical treatment for optimal health outcomes. Seniors were urged to consult their doctors before making any changes to their medication routines, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Attendees commended MMF and HF for their initiative, expressing a desire for more such camps to promote senior health awareness.