By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Department of Allied Health Sciences of Martin Luther Christian University organised a one-day seminar on ‘World Heart Day and International Day of Older Persons’ at the KJP Conference Hall here.
Prof Animesh Mishra, Head of Department Cardiology, NEIGRIHMS, Nirupama James, HOD, Home Science Department, St. Mary’s College and Balasara Lyngdoh, Assistant Dietician, NEIGRIHMS were the resource persons for the workshop.
They highlighted on Cardiovascular Disorders and Geriatric Nutrition and stressed on good nutritional status and sticking to intrinsic values that would help in the quality and longevity of one’s life.
Dr Rennie O Lakadong gave the welcome address, which was followed by the day’s sessions on Geriatric Nutrition, Cardiovascular disorders, and Nutrition for Cardiovascular disorders.
Students of BSc and MSc Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, Surgical Technology, Optometry, Physician Assistant, Community Health Practitioner and Nutrition and Dietetics were among those who attended the workshop.
Elsewhere in the State, the District Social Welfare department in collaboration with local NGOs observed the International Day of Older Persons at Williamnagar DRDA Hall.
District Social Welfare Officer N Momin and East Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner Sabrella Marak attended the function.
A large number of senior citizens and NGOs participated in the function.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed at Seng Khasi Hall, Khlieh Shnong, Mawsynram. The function, organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Shillong was attended by KHADC Chief Executive Member PN Syiem, who is also the local MLA, graced the occasion as chief guest. More than one hundred senior citizens from Mawsynram area participated in the function.
Others speakers included Dr L Sawian, District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills, I Tariang, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills, K Marbaniang, District Programme Officer, ICDS, East Khasi Hills and SM Bang, CDPO, Mawsynram C&RD Block.
A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of two centenarians – Wir Sawkmie of Mawspong village and Phren Wahlang of Mawsynram village by the chief guest.
Wheel chairs, hearing aids, white canes to the ailing persons and gift hampers to all the participants were also distributed by the chief guest.
Song and short play was also presented during the programme by the students of St. Fernando Secondary School, Sawsymper and JNV, Mawsynram.
Earlier in the day, a free medical check-up was conducted at the same venue in collaboration with the District and State Resource Centre, Shillong Civil Hospital.