Gelisim News

"Protection from diseases is superior to treatment"

Every year between September 3 and September 9, it is celebrated as Public Health Week. Stating that it is aimed to raise awareness about preventive health with information and trainings for the protection and development of public health, Public Health Specialist Dr. Nurten Elkin, referring to the connection between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, said, "Protection from diseases is superior to treatment."

Public health practices aim to ensure that the individual lives a healthy life and is protected from diseases from the mother's womb until the end of their life. Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Health Sciences (SBF) Public Health Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin, who made statements within the scope of the Public Health Week celebrated between September 3-9 every year, explained the methods of prevention from obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Obesity causes many health problems!

Obesity, which arises as a result of the combination of unhealthy eating habits with a sedentary lifestyle, brings many health problems. Stating that sleep apnea, asthma, polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, gout, fatty liver, irregular menstruation, migraine and various types of cancer are among these health problems, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin said, "Obesity is a disease that increases health expenditures all over the world and in our country; decreases the comfort of life of individuals and should be treated immediately. Physical activities must be increased to prevent obesity. In addition to avoiding unnatural sugar and paying attention to daily salt intake, calorie-dense, ready-to-eat foods should also be avoided. Food should be cooked with healthy techniques and eaten slowly. The same kind of nutrition is not good for the body all the time. Food diversity should be taken into consideration and balanced consumption should be ensured from all food types. Attention must also be paid to the consumption of saturated fats as little as possible."

“Exercise helps improve the heart's ability to pump good blood to the body”

Public Health Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Elkin, who made statements within the scope of the Public Health Week celebrated between September 3-9, said, "Research on cardiovascular disease risk factors shows that even small lifestyle changes can reduce the risks of coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. We can prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease by making changes in our lives to eliminate modifiable risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, stress and cholesterol. As we mentioned, obesity is a major factor in the development of many diseases. Research shows that being overweight contributes to the onset of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight raises blood cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. HDL lowers cholesterol and increases the risk of diabetes. An exercise program is needed to stay strong and healthy. Exercising helps improve the heart's ability to pump good blood throughout the body. Activity and exercise can lower blood pressure, high cholesterol, and reduce stress.''