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SLMA launches Public Health Programme for New Year season

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has announced a special public health programme ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, aimed at encouraging healthy eating patterns and physical activity among the public.

The initiative, organized by the SLMA’s Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee, will officially release a specially prepared information leaflet (Infographic) today (06) at 12:00 noon at the SLMA Auditorium in Colombo. The leaflet is designed to raise awareness among both the public and the media.

The SLMA, in a statement, highlighted that while traditional festive foods such as kavum, mung kavum, and kokis are an important part of cultural heritage, they are often high in rice flour, refined sugar, and saturated oils. Excessive consumption, particularly by individuals with chronic illnesses, can pose serious health risks.

A Non‑Communicable Diseases Committee noted that patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often deviate from their usual dietary and exercise routines during the April festive season.

“The New Year spirit is about friendship and sharing, but it should not come at the cost of long‑term health,” it said, warning that increased intake of salt, sugar, and oil combined with reduced physical activity can raise blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and heighten the risk of heart attacks.

The SLMA said that the programme’s goal is to guide the public in celebrating the New Year while safeguarding both tradition and health.

It further outlined the following key guidelines for a healthy festive season:

Portion Control: Taste traditional sweetmeats only in small amounts, avoid consuming them as main meals.
Balanced Refreshments: Offer clean water and fresh fruits instead of sugary drinks when serving guests.
Proper Medication: Ensure prescribed medicines for non‑communicable diseases are taken on time, even if routines change.
Active Lifestyle: Engage in at least 30 minutes of walking daily or participate in active New Year games.

The SLMA added that the information leaflet will be distributed island‑wide in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, offering practical guidance to safeguard health during the festive season.

source: Newswire