New diseases problem for developing countries: Docs

The majority of people infected with some emerging diseases are in the age group of 15 to 49. This places tremendous strain on workplaces and economies.

Mumbai: Your work environment may lead to several lifestyle diseases such as cardiac arrest, kidney and lever ailments. As precaution, you should visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. This was what doctors had to say on the first day of a two- day conference at the Mumbai Cricket Association Club at Bandra-Kurla Complex on Saturday.

The annual conference, organised by the Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) and the National Institute of Occupational Health, highlighted the rise in the emergence of new diseases due to globalization.

Day One saw presentations by medical practitioners on topics such as disease prevention at the workplace, periodic medical examinations -- a gimmick t or a necessity and influenza  at the workplace.

Dr C.S. Gulvady, president , of the IAOH (Mumbai), said the emergence of new diseases was  especially important in developing countries, which had , scant resources to deal with - the problem. “The majority of people infected with some of these emerging diseases, as was seen - with AIDS and swine flu, are  in the age group of 15 to 49. This - places a tremendous strain on workplaces and economies, especially of developing and underdeveloped nations,“ Dr Gulvady said.

Dr Shyam Pingle, IAOH national president, said such conferences helped practitioners stay abreast with the current situation in occupational health. “Occupational health physicians are doctors who are tasked with preventing `well' people from becoming `unwell'. There is no doubt that we need an increased emphasis on prevention of ill health at workplaces,“ said Dr Pingle.

“Therefore, this alarming rise in non-communicable diseases and workplace stress merits special attention.“

The second day of the conference will feature seminars on topics such as emerging metabolic diseases in the corporate world, emerging diseases in the elderly workforce and diabetes management in the workplace.