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Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist explains why Indian women's heart health is a 'quiet crisis no one is talking about'
Women's heart health is a 'quiet crisis' that often goes unnoticed, according to cardiologist Dr Vijay D'silva. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr D'silva, medical director of White Lotus International Hospital and clinical advisor and mentor of Heartnet India said 'it is alarming to see the mortality rate in women due to cardiovascular diseases'. Also read | Cardiologist reveals if low blood pressure can trigger heart attack amid Shefali Jariwala's cause of death speculation As per the doctor, schedule annual health screening after the age of 18 to detect any early signs of cardiovascular diseases. (Freeik) 'According to the Global Burden of Disease data, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 16.9 percent of all deaths in women in India. The way cardiovascular diseases show symptoms in women differs relatively from men. Women often experience chest pain due to mental stress, and they are more likely than men to have a heart attack without chest pain. This can lead them to ignore other symptoms and ultimately not seek medical advice.' Dr D'silva said. Why is women's heart health often overlooked? According to him, there's a lack of awareness about heart disease among women, and it's not just a matter of women being unaware, but also healthcare providers not taking women's heart health seriously enough. He said, 'Heart disease claims more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined. Despite all this, the awareness of women's heart health and specialised care is excessively low. Doctors may not recognise the minute symptoms early in women as heart-related, which can lead to a delay in the diagnosis of conditions like acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly at a younger age or in patients with diabetes. And the exercise stress testing without imaging tests, which is used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, has a higher false-positive rate in women.' He added, 'Hence, primary screening should be regularly conducted to detect potential risks and enable early diagnosis. Telehealth services like online consultation can provide expert physician guidance to enable early treatment and even help with preventive treatment and measures to reduce heart risks in women. Heart health in women needs to be prioritised; only then can we begin to reverse the rising number of women's deaths caused by cardiovascular disease.' What can yo do to stay safe? Dr D'silva said a combination of lifestyle changes and preventive care steps must be prioritised to decrease the risk of cardiac diseases. For better heart health in women, annual health check-ups are a must, he said: 'Schedule annual health screening after the age of 18 to detect any early signs of cardiovascular diseases.' Speaking of another step, cardiac risk assessment tools, he added, "Use tools like Prevent calculator for cardiac risk assessment, especially in women with a family history of heart diseases or conditions like diabetes and hypertension." The doctor further listed lifestyle changes you can adopt for better heart health: ⦿ Get proper sleep of 7 to 8 hours daily. ⦿ Avoid the consumption of Alcohol and tobacco. ⦿ Maintain a healthy body weight. ⦿ Incorporate regular physical exercise into your lifestyle. ⦿ Focus on a low-carb diet or Mediterranean diet. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
NDTV
18-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
After 'Sugar Boards', CBSE Rolls Out 'Oil Boards' In Schools To Tackle Obesity
In a continued effort to create healthier school environments, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced 'Oil Boards' across its affiliated schools, following its earlier directive to establish 'Sugar Boards' in May. The initiative aims to raise awareness about unhealthy dietary fats and combat the rising prevalence of obesity among students. The CBSE, in a circular dated July 15, has asked schools to display Oil Boards in common areas such as cafeterias, hallways, and staff rooms. These digital or printed boards will serve as visual reminders to avoid excessive consumption of unhealthy oils, particularly those found in fried and processed foods. Schools have also been encouraged to incorporate health messages on official stationery and to promote nutritious meals and physical activity during the school day. Citing alarming trends in obesity, the board referred to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which found that more than 20 per cent of adults in urban India are either overweight or obese. A study published in The Lancet's Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 forecast further reveals that the number of obese and overweight adults in India could rise from 18 crore in 2021 to nearly 45 crore by 2050-placing India among the top countries grappling with obesity-related health issues. Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle continue to be the primary contributors to childhood obesity, the CBSE noted. To counter this, schools have been urged to adopt healthier food practices such as offering more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat alternatives, while limiting access to sugary beverages and high-fat snacks. Simple measures like encouraging stair use, short exercise sessions, and designated walking areas have also been recommended to boost daily physical activity. This directive follows CBSE's earlier initiative on May 14 that introduced 'Sugar Boards' in schools to monitor and reduce sugar intake among children. That circular highlighted the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children-a condition traditionally seen in adults-linked to the easy availability of sugar-laden foods in schools. Data cited then showed that children aged 4 to 18 years consume nearly three times the recommended daily sugar limit, contributing to long-term health risks including obesity and metabolic disorders.
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
After 'sugar boards', CBSE asks schools to set up 'oil boards' to promote healthy eating habits
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked schools to set up "oil boards" to educate students and staff about harmful effects of consuming high-fat foods and oils and to serve as daily reminders promoting healthier eating habits, according to officials. The directive comes two months after the board asked schools to set up "sugar boards" to monitor and reduce the sugar intake of children. "Oil Boards" refer to posters or digital displays installed in shared spaces such as cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms within school premises. These boards will aim to educate students and staff about the harmful effects of consuming high-fat foods and oils and to serve as daily reminders promoting healthier eating habits. "The data points out that there is a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children. As per National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-21, over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese," said Pragya M Singh, CBSE Director (Academics). Citing The Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 obesity forecasting study published in 2025, Singh said the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, making it the country with the second highest global burden. "Prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted mostly by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity," Singh added. The CBSE recommends installing oil board displays in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms, and other public spaces to raise awareness about harmful consumption. It also suggests printing health messages on all official stationery—such as letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, and publications—to provide daily reminders about fighting obesity. Additionally, it encourages promoting healthy meals. The board also made recommendations such as physical activity in schools through availability of nutritious, healthier food options (more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and by limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks) and activity initiatives (encouraging use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes). "A few prototypes of such boards are available and schools may like to customise these as per their requirements. School students can be encouraged to prepare such boards as a part of experiential learning. Relevant IEC material including posters and videos are available at official YouTube channel of FSSAI," Singh said in a letter to schools.
The Print
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Print
After ‘sugar boards', CBSE asks schools to display ‘oil boards' to promote healthy eating among students
Also, the National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) issued a directive last year, urging education boards to provide proper care and exam accommodations for students with type 1 diabetes, including allowing insulin pumps and glucometers in exam halls. The initiative, much like ' sugar boards' , comes close on the heels of the health ministry's direction to all central institutions to install 'oil and sugar boards' posters that highlight the hidden fat and sugar content in commonly consumed Indian snacks such as 'samosas' and 'jalebis'. New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) earlier this week directed all affiliated schools to put up 'oil boards' on campus—displaying oil and fat content in everyday snacks and meals—to combat the growing crisis of childhood diabetes and obesity. The initiative, backed by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR–NIN), is intended as a behavioural nudge to promote healthier eating habits among people. According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 35 million children under the age of five were overweight. 'Once considered a high-income country problem, overweight is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries,' the report said. In a letter to the principals of all affiliated schools, Dr. Praggya M. Singh, the director (academics) at CBSE, highlighted that one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese. She noted that as per The Lancet Global Burden of Disease 2021 obesity forecasting study published in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, 'making it the country with the second-highest global burden.' 'In view of the above, you are requested to do the needful in this regard so as to promote a healthier school environment and safeguarding the well-being of children,' Singh wrote in the letter dated 15 July. She asked schools to sensitise staff and students through initiatives such as installing 'oil board' displays including in common areas like cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces to raise awareness. Similarly, she has also asked schools to print health messages on all official stationery including letterheads, envelopes, notepads and folders. Singh asked schools to promote healthy meals that include fruits, vegetables and low-fat options, and limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks. Along with this, she has asked schools to focus on increasing physical activity of students including encouraging them to use stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes. In the letter, the CBSE has also provided schools with prototype posters that encourage them to take creative liberty in localising the boards while adhering to the core message. The posters display the oil and fat content in everyday snacks and meals such as samosas, chips, pakoras, and other fried items. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Obesity care in India is evolving—no longer just diets & surgery, it's all about multi-specialty approach
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Business Standard
17-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
CBSE asks schools to set up 'oil boards' to curb high-fat food intake
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked schools to set up "oil boards" to educate students and staff about harmful effects of consuming high-fat foods and oils and to serve as daily reminders promoting healthier eating habits, according to officials. The directive comes two months after the board asked schools to set up "sugar boards" to monitor and reduce the sugar intake of children. "Oil Boards" refer to posters or digital displays installed in shared spaces such as cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms within school premises. These boards will aim to educate students and staff about the harmful effects of consuming high-fat foods and oils and to serve as daily reminders promoting healthier eating habits. "The data points out that there is a sharp rise in obesity among both adults and children. As per National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-21, over one in five adults in urban areas are overweight or obese," said Pragya M Singh, CBSE Director (Academics). Citing The Lancet Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 obesity forecasting study published in 2025, Singh said the number of overweight and obese adults in India is projected to rise from 18 crores in 2021 to 44.9 crores by 2050, making it the country with the second highest global burden. "Prevalence of childhood obesity is impacted mostly by poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity," Singh added. Installing oil board displays in common areas (cafeterias, lobbies, meeting rooms and other public spaces) to raise awareness on harmful consumption; printing health messages on all official stationery (letterheads, envelopes, notepads and folders) and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity besides promoting healthy meals are among the recommendations made by the CBSE. The board also made recommendations such as physical activity in schools through availability of nutritious, healthier food options (more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, and by limiting availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks) and activity initiatives (encouraging use of stairs, organizing short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes). "A few prototypes of such boards are available and schools may like to customize these as per their requirements. School students can be encouraged to prepare such boards as a part of experiential learning. Relevant IEC material including posters and videos are available at official YouTube channel of FSSAI," Singh said in a letter to schools. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
