ANAEMIA MUKT BHARATH Awareness Program Conducted at KIMS Hospitals

With the intention of spreading awareness to achieve the goal set by the Government of India to eradicate anaemia by 2022; the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad, conducted an awareness program on the theme ‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat’ on 19th February. As part of this program, the Hospital conducted blood tests (Haemoglobin Percentage) and diet counselling for everyone and discussed the myths related to anemia - such as, vegetarians are at increased risk of anaemia and lower income groups are more vulnerable to anemia.

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of Red Blood Cells (or) their oxygen carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs.

Anaemia affects one fourth of the world’s population and iron deficiency is the predominant.

The causes of anaemia are deficiencies of Folic Acid, Vit-B12 and Iron; excess Menstruation, Gastric Ulcers, Haemophilia and Hemorrhoids

Symptoms include paleness of skin, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, fatigue and Koilonychia (Spoon Shaped Nails).

Participants in the program were advised to increase their intake of lean meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, organ meats (liver, brain, kidney), nuts, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, pulses, whole grain, jaggery and rice flakes, apart from fruit and vegetables rich in Vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron into the body.

‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat’ is aimed at spreading awareness about anemia among one and all. Participants were familiarized with the consequences of anaemia and the necessary healthy dietary patterns to combat it.