The Navratri festival is just around the corner, the Ahmedabad chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has issued a set of vital guidelines to ensure the safety of participants during Navratri festival, amidst a concerning surge in heart attack cases. The IMA urges individuals aged 40 and above with a family history of heart disease to undergo a medical evaluation before joining the festive celebrations.
In the wake of rising heart attack cases during the Navratri festival, the IMA’s guidelines emphasize the importance of caution, especially for individuals suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and pre-existing heart conditions. These individuals are strongly advised to refrain from participating in Garba dances to minimize the risk of cardiac emergencies.
To promote heart health among revelers, the guidelines recommend the consumption of potassium and magnesium-rich foods such as bananas and coconut water. Furthermore, participants are encouraged to pause their dancing if they experience dizziness or chest discomfort and to stay adequately hydrated throughout the festivities.
In a bid to ensure rapid medical assistance, the IMA has urged Garba event organizers to establish formal communication with nearby hospitals, promptly informing them of any emergencies. Additionally, organizers are encouraged to have a doctor on standby equipped with basic medical facilities at event venues.
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To prevent overcrowding, organizers are advised to limit the number of attendees in confined spaces, as congestion can contribute to cardiac incidents. Moreover, organizers are encouraged to provide CPR training to staff and security personnel, while planning dedicated routes and signage for ambulance entry and exit.
Highlighting the alarming rise in cardiac arrests and premature deaths among children, youth, and the elderly during Garba events, the IMA attributed these incidents to factors like insufficient sleep, poor hydration, unhealthy diets, and underlying medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and kidney issues.
The excessive physical exertion involved in Garba dancing can lead to dehydration, salt imbalances, and fluctuations in blood pressure, pulse, and blood sugar levels. The IMA warns that these factors collectively increase the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest among Garba enthusiasts.
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