NAGPUR: A unique blend of music and medicine, the ‘Heritage and Me’ event was held at the Scientific Hall on Thursday, engaging the audience with insightful discussions on genetic diseases and the power of preventative measures. The event featured leading experts and performers, providing a thought-provoking and entertaining experience.
The event’s keynote speaker, renowned cardiologist Dr. Prabhakar Deshpande, delivered a powerful message on the importance of traditional lifestyles and family discipline. “In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of the simple yet essential things that contribute to good health,” he said. “By embracing traditional values and making conscious choices, we can significantly reduce the risk of passing on genetic diseases to our children.”

The event was not just about medical advice, but also a celebration of music and its power to convey a powerful message. Singer Gunwant Gatwai, along with Dr. Manjiri Vaidya Iyer and Mukul Pande, delivered a soulful performance that touched the hearts of the audience. Their songs ranged from traditional folk songs to contemporary music and were beautifully interwoven with the theme of the event.
Genetic diseases are diseases that are passed from parents to children through genes. Genetic diseases range from mild to severe and can affect different parts of the body.
Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses a variety of conditions and may be hereditary.
“Cholesterol can be passed from parents to children through genes. Similarly, genetic factors also play a major role in cholesterol levels and some people inherit genes that predispose them to high cholesterol,” Dr Deshpande said.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, has a strong genetic component: people with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk of developing the disease.
Dr Deshpande suggested that people with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure should maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, manage stress and undergo regular health check-ups.
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