APJ Abdul Kalam launches nationwide 'Help your Body' campaign

Mumbai, Aug 16 (UNI) Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today launched the ''Help your Body'' crusade against chronic diseases at KC college here.

Speaking at the function on the crusade initiated by Piramal Group, Dr Kalam said, ''The crusade should include the country's 6,00,000 villages. A change in lifestyle, especially among the 540 million young people below 25 years, can transform India into a healthy and economically powerful country.'' Spreading the habit of exercise, involvement of corporates, utilisation of schools, colleges and students, focussing on the unorganised rural sector, free diagnostic support and establishment of pre and post natal care were the suggestions given by Dr Kalam to improve the efficacy of the crusade. ''The crusade can implement a three dimensional approach -- vegetarianism, exercise and meditation to improve one's health,'' he added.

He also made the students of KC college pledge an oath to work towards the success of the project.

The 'Help your Body' crusade which will use a combination of eastern style medication including Yoga with western methods and will be launched in three phases. The first phase will focus on generating awareness and educating people. The second ''Action'' phase will focus on detecting and initiating lifestyle changes. While the third and final phase will emphasise on care to help sustain healthy lifestyle in communities.

''It won't be an easy campaign and we expect some hurdles like difficulty in sending doctors in the rural areas. But if we get together, we'll can do it,'' Ajay G Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Group, said.

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