Campaigning takes a health toll on Karnataka politicians

Bengaluru: Walking in the hot sun, addressing endless rallies and shaking hands with people lined up along roads can take its toll as seen by the recent death of BJP MLA , Vijay Kumar, and Social Welfare Minister, H Anjaneya fainting during a recent election rally. Given the fact that several of the seasoned politicians are more old than young and suffer from ailments like blood pressure and diabetes, they need to be more cautious , warns Dr Sunil Dwivedi, consultant cardiologist, Vikram Hospitals.

"During elections politicians are so focused on winning elections that they only care about campaigning, missing their routine exercise, home cooked food and even medication at times. They eat whatever is available, even if it is junk food , which leads to a spike in BP and diabetes levels,"  he said. Other doctors warn that stress and anxiety if not handled properly can prove fatal. Says Dr N K Venkataramana, founder and chief neurosurgeon, Brains Neuro Spine Centre, "If someone is under persistent stress,  there are high chances of him  developing diabetes and hypertension, which in turn can lead to worsening of existing illnesses. Sleep deprivation and loss of appetite are a few  major symptoms of stress. In case of stress, the  hypothalamus is affected and this in turn affects the pituitary gland , which then releases a lot of hormones, some of which could be very harmful. These high levels of hormones can have a serious effect on the brain, heart and liver and give rise to diabetes and blood pressure." 

He believes listening to one's body and mind is essential for healthier living. Adds Dr  Dwivedi,  "Besides winning or losing elections our politicians need to pay attention to their health on  priority as otherwise they will not be able to whatever they set out to."