KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information Shazia Marri stressed the need to change the rigid mindset regarding health issues and practices, and urged that society at large needs to focus on the prevention of various ailments through use of vitamins and minerals, instead of waiting for the disease to attack.
Marri was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Zinc se Zindagi’; organised by the Express Media Group in collaboration with Abbott Laboratories at a local hotel on Sunday. Marri appreciated the media group’s efforts in organising such events as part of their corporate social responsibility programme, and urged other media groups to follow it.
The minister also praised Abbott Laboratories for their continued efforts in research and development in the field of medicine. Marri said that the topic chosen was extremely relevant, since there are numerous advantages of zinc which are not known to common people and such programs provide the opportunity to spread such knowledge.
“Zinc truly is a life saver since it helps prevent so many diseases, or at least reduce chances of their affliction,” said Marri. “Diseases like various cancers, diabetes, male and female fertility, Alzheimer’s disease and so many others could be taken care of by the consumption of zinc. We must broaden our horizons and learn more about vitamins and minerals since they really help improve the quality of life,” she said.
She advised concerned persons to consult medical experts for the proper dosage of all vitamins and minerals in order to to avoid side-effects of over-dosage or wrong prescriptions.
Advising parents, Marri stressed that they should inculcate a concern for health among other constructive habits in their children.
Hassan Abbass, Mustafa Bilgrami and GM Jamali represented the Express Media Group while Dr Yusuf Kamal, Dr Tasneem Nakhuda, Dr Prof Rubina Tahir and Dr Alyscia Cheema gave their briefings on the significance of zinc.
Dr Kamal, talking on the role and importance of zinc on the general well-being of humans and their vitality, said that it was the third most abundant trace element found in every cell of the human body. “Zinc strengthens the immune system, repairs damaged DNA, supports stabilisation of blood glucose levels, maintains the sense of taste and smell, and boosts fertility,” he informed the attendees.
Dr Nakhuda, while highlighting the benefits of zinc for skin and hair, said that the mineral enhances the healing of wounds. “It decreases the relative risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease,” she added.
Prof Tahir highlighted zinc’s role in pregnancy cycles and infertility. She counted some symptoms of zinc deficiency in humans; these include growth retardation, diarrhoea, alopecia, decreased immunity and hypogonadism in males.
Dr Cheema, an opthalmic surgeon and retinal specialist, talked about the importance of zinc for the health of the human eye.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2012.
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