Page 5 - fbkCardioDiabetes_2017

Cardio Diabetes Medicine 2017 III

Dr. K. K. Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
FOREWORD
National President Indian Medical Association
As doctors, we not only look after the health of our pa-
tients, but also that of the community. Doctors are there-
fore “Brand Ambassadors of Health”, a role which puts
a responsibility on all of us to practice what we teach
our patients about healthy habits and lifestyle. Patients
particularly will not heed any such advice unless doctors
themselves are seen to be following the same. There is a
general perception among the public that doctors are nev-
er ill. But, this is not true. Doctors often neglect their health
because of the increasing demands of their profession. The medical profession by
itself is a health hazard. Lack of exercise, poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation,
work-related stress are potential health risks of the medical profession.
“Charity begins at home” is a phrase well-known to each one of us. Doctors should
also take care of their own health. This is important not only for themselves but
also for their patients.Today, the dynamics of doctor-patient relationship has shifted
from ‘paternilstic’ to ‘patient-centric’ with more autonomy to the patients, who now
are more likely than before to question what their doctors have to say. If doctors
have poor health behaviors, they are poor role models for their patients. When doc-
tors practice what they preach, they lead by example. This improves their credibility
including their ability to motivate patients to make healthy lifestyle choices about
diet, physical activity, smoking etc.

Lifestyle diseases or non communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hyper-
tension, heart disease, stroke have become a major public health concern. Most
risk factors for these diseases are lifestyle-related behaviors. By practicing a health
personal lifestyle, doctors can influence a healthy lifestyle in their patients to prevent
lifestyle diseases.
Regards,

Dr. K K Agarwal
Recipient of Padma Shri, Vishwa Hindi Samman,
National Science Communication Award and Dr B C Roy National Award.
Hony. Prof. of Bioethics SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre.
Sr. Consultant Medicine & Cardiology, Dean Board of Medical Education, Mool-
chand.
President Heart Care Foundation of India.
Editor in Chief IJCP Group of Publications, eMedinewS

Cardio Diabetes Medicine