STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In order to educate the masses regarding the ever importance of religion and spirituality in preventing cardiovascular diseases, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Mandir, Dhammi Nagrota , Jammu with a purpose to make people aware of this dimension of healthcare particularly with reference to cardiac ailments.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated religious places act as platforms where large numbers of people gather regularly.
“These gatherings present an opportunity to disseminate valuable health information. Religious leaders, often respected and trusted by their communities, can play a pivotal role in delivering messages about CVD prevention, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups, healthy eating, and physical activity. Religious texts and sermons can be interpreted to promote body care as a spiritual responsibility, reinforcing healthy behaviors. Religious institutions have traditionally been seen as spiritual sanctuaries, but their influence extends far beyond the realm of faith. One significant, yet often overlooked, contribution of religious places lies in their potential to promote public health-particularly in spreading awareness and encouraging prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Through various channels, including teachings, community gatherings, and lifestyle influence, religious places can actively shape knowledge and behaviors related to heart health,” Dr Sushil said.
He elaborated that previous studies have reported positive relationships between religiosity, general health, and mortality. Some studies suggested that more frequent participation in religious activities led to lower rates of smoking, and others reported that practicing religion may be related to lower all-cause mortality. Religiosity may improve health through several mechanisms. Beyond diet and education, religious communities provide a sense of belonging, emotional well-being, and support. These psychosocial factors are crucial in managing stress, a well-known contributor to cardiovascular disease. People who feel emotionally supported are more likely to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Prayer, meditation, and communal worship also contribute to mental peace, further reducing cardiovascular risk. Interestingly, while religiosity offers numerous health benefits, some studies point out a paradox-greater religiosity has also been associated with higher rates of obesity in some communities. This suggests that while religious involvement promotes certain healthy behaviors, it might also coincide with sedentary lifestyles or unhealthy communal eating habits, especially in the absence of health-oriented guidance, he added.
Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks told that religious places hold untapped potential as hubs for health promotion, especially in the realm of cardiovascular disease awareness and prevention.
They influence not only spiritual lives but also physical well-being through education, lifestyle guidance, emotional support, and communal strength. By incorporating health-based messages into religious teachings and encouraging heart-friendly practices, these institutions can contribute significantly to the fight against CVD. As such, engaging religious leaders and communities in public health strategies could yield profound benefits for individual and collective health.
Management committee of the Sarv Shakti Chandi Mata Mandir Sanjay Gandotra, Dr Deshvir Singh Jamwal, Vikas Singh Jamwal, Davinder Singh, Gourav Bhasin appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health check up camp and shows their heartfelt gratitude .
Others who were part of this camp include Dr Yashwant Sharma, Dr Venkatesh Yellupu , Dr Dheeraj Jamwal, Dr Rohit Sharma and Dr Tarun Sharma.
Paramedics and volunteers include Raghav Rajput, Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh, Gourav Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Vaid, Makhan Sharma, Paramveer Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Nirvair Singh Bali, Vikas Kumar and numerous volunteers of the Mandir.
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