Sheikh Sameer
Sheikh Sameer
Every year, April 7th is observed globally as World Health Day, a moment to reflect on the progress made in the field of health and to evaluate challenges ahead. In India, this day assumes greater relevance due to the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) plaguing our population. In Kashmir, the landscape is changing rapidly — not just socially and politically, but medically. Once shielded by its serene environment and active lifestyle, Kashmir is now witnessing an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac arrests, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and women’s cancers like breast and ovarian cancer.
This National Health Day, it’s time to assess the health status of the Valley and understand how we can harness our environment, traditions, and resources to fight back against this modern health crisis.
The Health Shift in Kashmir: From Immunity to Vulnerability
Kashmir’s population was once considered immune to many modern health ailments due to its natural diet, physically active rural life, and pollution-free atmosphere. However, rapid urbanization, stress, sedentary lifestyles, changing food habits, and deteriorating mental health are driving a surge in non-communicable diseases.
1. Diabetes on the Rise
Once a rarity in Kashmir, Type 2 diabetes is now increasingly common, even among young adults. According to health reports from hospitals in Srinagar and Anantnag, there has been a 40% increase in diabetes-related consultations over the last five years. The growing consumption of refined sugars, processed foods, and reduced physical activity are contributing factors.
2. Hypertension and Cardiac Arrests: A Silent Killer
The stress of modern living, combined with poor diet and lack of exercise, is making hypertension and cardiovascular diseases commonplace. Doctors from SKIMS Soura report that more than 1 in every 4 patients admitted in the emergency ward for non-traumatic issues is a cardiac patient, many of them under 50 years of age.
3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
While previously confined to smokers, COPD cases are now emerging in non-smokers as well, particularly in areas where traditional wood-burning chulhas and poor ventilation are still in use. The burning of trash, vehicle pollution, and seasonal smog also contribute to deteriorating air quality in urban centers like Srinagar, leading to respiratory illnesses even among children.
4. Women’s Health: The Growing Threat of Ovarian and Breast Cancer
Gynecologists in Kashmir are increasingly reporting cases of PCOS, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. Factors include late marriages, hormonal imbalances, poor reproductive health education, and lack of timely screenings. In rural areas, the stigma around breast health and limited access to female healthcare providers makes detection and treatment more difficult.
The Root Causes: Modernization at a Cost
A deeper dive into the causes of these diseases reveals a pattern — a shift from traditional to modern living without adequate health literacy.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Modern conveniences have reduced our physical activity. From school-going children to elderly citizens, everyone is now spending more time indoors — with gadgets and screens replacing gardens and playgrounds.
Dietary Changes
The traditional Kashmiri diet included hand-pounded rice, fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, pulses, and occasional meat — all home-cooked. Today, diets are dominated by fried snacks, bakery items, cold drinks, packaged chips, and meat-heavy fast foods, all rich in fats, sugars, and low in fiber.
Mental Health and Stress
The turbulent past decades, marked by conflict and uncertainty, have had a profound impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic stress contribute significantly to physical ailments like hypertension and cardiac issues.
Lack of Preventive Healthcare
Most Kashmiris visit doctors only when illnesses become severe. Regular check-ups, preventive screenings, and health awareness are not culturally ingrained, especially among rural women and elderly citizens.
Environmental Factors
Pollution from vehicle emissions, industrial waste, and even the burning of fallen Chinar leaves in autumn has contributed to declining air quality in the Valley, once known for its pristine air.
Remedies and Preventions: Turning the Tide
The good news is that lifestyle diseases are largely preventable. Through awareness, education, and small lifestyle modifications, Kashmiris can reclaim their health.
1. Reviving Physical Activity
People of all ages must be encouraged to indulge in daily physical activity — walking, jogging, yoga, cycling, or even traditional activities like gardening and farming. Local authorities can also promote morning parks, youth fitness centers, and outdoor gyms.
2. Healthy Eating Habits
A return to home-cooked, seasonal, plant-based foods is critical. Schools and NGOs should educate families about the benefits of traditional foods like haakh (collard greens), turnips, lotus stem (nadru), and locally grown pulses, over packed junk foods. Even traditional dishes like Harissa, when consumed in moderation and prepared healthily, can be part of a nutritious diet.
3. Preventive Screenings and Women’s Health Camps
There must be a focus on preventive screenings for diabetes, BP, and cancers, especially among women. Mobile health vans and free health check-up camps in rural and far-flung areas can make a significant impact. Monthly breast self-examination tutorials, menstrual hygiene education, and gynecology camps are the need of the hour.
4. Stress Management and Mental Health Support
Mental health remains a taboo, but it’s vital for holistic health. Kashmir needs more psychologists, counselors, and mental wellness programs in schools, colleges, and mohallas. Simple techniques like prayer, meditation, group therapy, journaling, and community interaction can help ease the emotional burden.
5. Reduce Exposure to Indoor Pollution
Switching from chulhas to LPG or electric cooking, installing chimneys, and educating about ventilation and cleanliness can reduce respiratory issues. Smokers should be encouraged to quit through de-addiction programs.
Kashmir: A Natural Prescription for Health
Ironically, the answer to Kashmir’s growing health issues lies in Kashmir itself.
Pure Water and Air (Outside Urban Areas)
Kashmir still boasts some of the cleanest water sources, especially in upper reaches like Pahalgam, Gurez, and Doodhpathri. Moving away from polluted cities into greener spaces can help reduce respiratory and cardiac issues.
Natural Organic Foods
Local farmers still grow pesticide-free vegetables, apples, walnuts, almonds, and herbs like Saunf (fennel), Zeera (cumin), and Lavang (cloves) — all of which have medicinal value. Promoting organic farming and local consumption can transform public health.
Physical Terrain and Climatic Conditions
The terrain itself — with hills, gardens, stairs, and forests — offers natural opportunities for walking and trekking, if people are willing to embrace it. Instead of crowding markets, people can make early morning walks in gardens and orchards a part of their routine.
Traditional Healing Wisdom
Kashmir has a rich tradition of Unani and herbal medicine. Many elders still use herbal teas (kehwa) for digestion, oil massages for joint pain, and dry fruits for immunity. These need to be researched, validated, and reintroduced in modern preventive care.
Role of Government, Media & Civil Society
To fight the health crisis, all stakeholders must unite:• The Government must establish well-equipped primary health centers, encourage family doctors, and launch district-wide health drives.
• Schools and Colleges should introduce health education, yoga, nutrition classes, and regular fitness challenges
.• Religious Leaders can use platforms to talk about mental health, hygiene, and self-care.
• Media houses and social media influencers must normalize conversations about women’s health, mental wellness, and routine health check-ups.
Word of Caution: The Youth at Risk
The youth of Kashmir, once known for their resilience, are now falling prey to the sedentary digital lifestyle. With mobile addiction, online gaming, and fast food, children as young as 12 are showing early signs of obesity, anxiety, and back pain. Schools must make sports mandatory, parents must restrict screen time, and society must collectively push for holistic well-being.
The Choice Is Ours
On this National Health Day, as we look at the mountains, gardens, springs, and orchards of Kashmir, we must ask — Are we doing justice to this paradise by making it a hub of disease?
The answer lies in each household, each kitchen, each morning routine, and each meal. A healthy Kashmir is a happy Kashmir. The Valley doesn’t just need peace politically — it needs peace inside every mind and body.
Let us revive the legacy of strength, immunity, and mental balance that once defined us. Let’s ensure that future generations don’t just inherit the beauty of the Himalayas but also the health to enjoy it.
Author: Sheikh Sameer is a writer, editor, and founder of The Kashmir Dialogues, focusing on socio-political and cultural narratives in Jammu and Kashmir. He advocates for youth empowerment, healthcare awareness, and national integration. [email protected]
TKD Desk
The Kashmir Dialogues
