PGIMER organises cyclothon to raise awareness against Trans Fats

Around 50 cycle enthusiasts took part in the cyclothon organised by Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh in association with Strategic Institute of Public Health and Education Research (SIPHER) to promote the trans fat free Diwali campaign. The cyclothon, also supported by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), started from PGIMER campus and concluded at Sukhna lake. Dr Sonu Goel, Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER Chandigarh flagged off the cyclothon; which saw participation of people from different walks of life including youngsters as well as professionals and the cycling enthusiasts.
Speaking about the event, Dr Amarjeet Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health said, “I would like to appreciate Department of Community Medicine, SIPHER and GHAI for this positive initiative that would encourage people across the state of Punjab and other states too to become healthier. The cyclothon is just a symbolic event, which shows the commitment of the stakeholders – general public as well as the organisers. The contribution of all concerned will be to imbibe and implement the Trans Fat free campaign in their daily lives”.
Dr Sonu Goel, Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER termed the response for the event overwhelming and expected such activities to continue in future as well. “The cyclothon was a part of an ongoing Trans fat free Diwali campaign launched by the government of Punjab and conceptualised by PGI Chandigarh. Through this event, we tried to encourage people to follow a healthier lifestyle and eliminate harmful fats from their diet.As the state of
Punjab is having highest prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, the campaign will guide people to introduce healthy life choices in their life,” said Dr Goel.
“Millions of people will die or suffer from heart diseases if industrially produced trans fats are not eliminated from foods globally. SIPHER is privileged to provide technical support to PGI Chandigarh for generating awareness on this key issue,” said Dr Rakesh Gupta, President, SIPHER.
Encouraging people to join the Transfat free Diwali campaign, Dr Poonam Khanna, Associate Professor of Nutrition Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health said, “Let’s together enlighten healthy Diwali candle in our hearts by saying NO to trans-fats. On this Diwali, I urge you all to join us in this mission and demand healthy foods. Check out food labels before buying oils, fats, and other processed food products. Do not forget to assure the trans fat limit should be less than 2% of total energy intake”.