One body, many risks: How doctors are fighting silent diseases

India Today

4 days ago

While India celebrates National Doctor's Day on July 1, healthcare professionals are raising red flags over a quieter health emergency—lifestyle diseases that damage multiple organs silently and often without warning. From heart attacks in young adults to early cognitive decline and undiagnosed cancers, doctors across specialities are now urging Indians to shift from reactive treatments to proactive prevention. Here's what experts from cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopaedics, and oncology have to say.advertisement"BY AGE 30, YOU SHOULD START CHECKING YOUR HEALTH"Dr Vikram B Kolhari, Senior Consultant – Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, notes that heart attacks are increasingly being reported in patients in their 30s. 'Early detection through cholesterol and blood pressure checks, followed by lifestyle changes, can prevent long-term damage,' he says.He recommends a cardiac rehabilitation program not just post-heart attack but as a preventive measure. 'A sodium-restricted, nutrient-rich diet combined with regular physical activity can boost heart performance. Even if you're symptom-free, get screened,' he advises."YOUR GUT IS THE FIRST ORGAN TO REFLECT STRESS,"
According to Dr Vijay Kumar HJ, Consultant – Gastroenterology, today's fast-paced lifestyles make our digestive system highly vulnerable. 'Persistent bloating, constipation, or acidity are early signs your gut is under stress,' he says.He advocates for daily gut care: high-fiber meals, hydration, and movement. 'Your gut has its own language—learn to hear it before it screams for help,' he adds, stressing that gut disorders left unchecked can lead to serious illnesses like fatty liver or even gut cancers."BRAIN FOG AND MOOD SWINGS MAY SIGNAL EARLY COGNITIVE DECLINE,"advertisement'Brain fog is real,' says Dr Jayanth SS, Consultant Neurologist. 'If you're forgetting recent events, struggling to focus, or constantly fatigued, don't brush it off.'He explains that unmanaged stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal imbalances can trigger mood swings and memory issues, which may escalate into cognitive conditions like early dementia. He also warns that seizures, if ignored, may cause neuronal loss and emotional dysregulation. 'Prevention begins with attention to the mind's subtle red flags,' he says."MUSCLE LOSS STARTS QUIETLY—AND EARLY," ADVISESMusculoskeletal issues aren't just for the elderly, says Dr Rahul Puri, Consultant Joint Replacement and Robotic Surgeon. 'Most people today sit for hours in poor postures and skip strength training. By 40, many start losing muscle mass,' he explains.This lack of conditioning, combined with poor ergonomics and nutrition, can lead to serious injuries later. 'Falls in your 50s or 60s are not just accidents—they're often results of decades of neglect. Regular strength exercises can improve balance, posture, and bone density,' he adds."CANCER GIVES CLUES—IF YOU LISTEN TO YOUR BODYDr Vishwanath Sathyanarayanan, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, highlights the importance of recognizing cancer's early warning signs. He recommends remembering the 'CAUTION' acronym for symptoms like unexplained bleeding, lumps, or digestive issues.advertisement'Modern lifestyle—junk food, stress, alcohol, smoking, and poor sleep—is directly increasing cancer risk,' he says. Routine screenings for breast, cervical, colon, lung, and prostate cancers are crucial. Post-treatment, he advocates for nutrition, psychosocial care, and ongoing medical follow-ups for healthy survivorship.PREVENTION IS THE NEW PRESCRIPTIONDoctors agree: preventive care is no longer optional. Screenings, mindful habits, exercise, and regular check-ups can collectively help Indians live longer, healthier lives. National Doctor's Day isn't just a tribute—it's a reminder to take charge of your health before silent symptoms become serious diseases.- EndsTrending Reel