Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 5: A health education and awareness session on ‘Alcohol Use, Its Health Impacts and Prevention’ was conducted at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC), Haddo by the Department of Community Medicine, ANIIMS. The programme aimed to translate awareness into preventive action by sensitizing the community to the health and social consequences of alcohol use, promoting early recognition of harmful drinking patterns and encouraging timely help-seeking and healthier lifestyle choices.
The event was organized under the guidance of Dr. Mukesh Tripathi, Director, ANIIMS with the awareness sessions conducted by Dr. Bhavya Nair under the mentorship of Dr. Ajay Raj, Dr. Samar Hossain, Dr. Aanchal Anand, Dr. Mitul Saha and Dr. Razeeda Banu. The awareness session was aimed to strengthen awareness regarding the health and social consequences of harmful alcohol use while promoting healthier lifestyle choices and timely healthcare-seeking behaviour.
Participants were sensitised to the effects of prolonged alcohol consumption on multiple organ systems including the liver, brain, heart and cardiovascular system, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, immune system and reproductive system as well as its association with several cancers.
Beneficiaries were also informed about the availability of counselling, treatment and de-addiction support through government health facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and were encouraged to seek professional help at an early stage rather than delaying care due to stigma or misconceptions.