If the report from the World Heath Organization is to be believed by 2020 chronic illness would have claimed 350 million lives of which a major portion would be from India. Prevention efforts have already initiated in India with APJ Abdul Kalam, former Indian President setting off the “HelpYourBody”, a campaign against chronic diseases.

The HelpYourBody campaign is managed by experts in cardiology, orthopedics and dialectology and will commence in 3 phases. Dr Swati Piramal, director, Piramal Healthcare Ltd, along with Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India has taken up the task to educate the masses about the risk from chronic diseases, its management and diagnosis. The doctors will educate the people especially from the rural areas.

If an effective prevention campaign is not implemented, India may soon become a chronic diseases hub. HelpYourBody campaign will setup about 90 diagnostic centers reaching out as many people as possible.

The HelpYourBody campaigns main focus will be on illness like diabetes, cancer, mental health, blood pressure and heart diseases.

In his speech Kalam stated that efforts are needed from each and every individual to bring about an awareness against the chronic illness. Employers should setup health camps and periodically check their employee’s health. Knowledge can be imparted by people who come across many individuals such as dabba wallas and taxi drivers.

Check on lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, arthiritis and hypertension is a must as their treatment costs are very high. Exercise can help prevent the conditions from worsening.