Heart attack incidence soars in Kashmir during winter: Cardiologists

‘Cold weather constricts blood vessels, forces heart to work harder; people with medical conditions must take precautions’

Srinagar, Dec 14 (KNO): The incidence of heart attacks and strokes doubles in Kashmir during winter as exposure to cold constricts blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder, experts warn.

Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at GMC Srinagar, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that cold weather significantly impacts cardiovascular health, which leads to a rise in heart attacks and strokes during the winter months.

“The incidence of heart attacks and strokes more than doubles in Kashmir during winters compared to summer,” he said. “Exposure to cold causes blood vessels to constrict—a process known as vasoconstriction—which elevates blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This added strain exacerbates existing heart conditions and increases the risk of cardiovascular events.”

He explained that colder temperatures thicken the blood and make it more prone to clotting, which heightens the risk of heart attacks and strokes. “People with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension and smokers are more vulnerable as they are usually immunocompromised,” Dr Irfan said. “In winter, increased tea consumption can elevate blood sugar levels, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.”

Dr Irfan also highlighted that many heart attack patients are misdiagnosed and treated for other illnesses, complicating their condition further.

Dr Javid, another cardiologist, advised people to take extra precautions in winter to prevent heart attacks and strokes. He recommended dressing in layers, using scarves, gloves, and hats to maintain body warmth, keeping homes well-heated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.

The doctor urged people to exercise indoors if it is too cold outside and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, such as heavy shovelling, in extreme cold. “To reduce risks, people should consume a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, sugar, and saturated fats,” he added.

Doctors advised staying hydrated to prevent blood thickening and knowing the symptoms of heart attacks (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath) and strokes (e.g., face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech) to seek immediate medical attention when needed—(KNO)

Govt increases power supply by nearly ‘150 MWs’ to trim unscheduled, distress cuts

PDD has installed over 6.5 Lakh smart meters in JK: Official

Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar, Dec 14 (KNO): In order to minimize the unscheduled power and distress power cuts in Kashmir valley, Power Development Department has recently increased the power supply by nearly 100-150 Megawatts (MWs).

A top official of PDD informed the news agency—Kashmir News Agency that the decision of supplying extra was taken in a recent review meeting of PDD and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

“Recently, some important decisions were taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the electricity issues in Jammu and Kashmir. We have implemented those decisions to reduce the power cuts,” the official said.

He said, “KPDCL was receiving 1500 MWs of power and now it has been further increased to 1600-1650 MWs to address the unscheduled and distress power cuts. The same amount of power is already being supplied.”

About the status of installation of smart meters in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said that “Over 6.5 Lakh smart meters have already been installed.”

“There is a program to implement the smart meters in the rest of the places across Jammu and Kashmir. Work has been already tendered and the process is going on. Roughly, both the regions have equally smart metering,” he said.

Earlier, KNO had reported that KPDCL had requested for more power to reduce the issues of distress and unscheduled power cuts in Kashmir.

A top official had informed that the demand for power has increased significantly from the past two weeks and requires extra electricity to overcome it.

It had also said, “As of the, the unrestricted demand of electricity including the ongoing power curtailment schedule has reached 2600-2700 Megawatts. However, as of now we have only 1450 MW of power.”— (KNO)

SPO families demand justice: ‘Struggling to afford education and basic necessities’

Srinagar Nov 14: Families of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir have raised their voices, demanding justice and better living conditions as they grapple with financial hardships.

Despite their critical role in maintaining law and order, many SPOs and their families say they are struggling to afford basic necessities, including education for their children.

Talking to media at Srinagar’s Pratap Park according to news agency KINS, the families shared the challenges they face due to low salaries and the lack of welfare benefits.

“Our children are forced to drop out of schools because we cannot afford the fees. We live a hand-to-mouth existence, and even affording basic needs like food and healthcare has become a challenge,”one of family members of an SPO said.

SPOs in J&K are recruited on a temporary basis and are often paid meager salaries compared to regular police personnel. Many have demanded a revision of their pay structure, better job security, and benefits such as healthcare and education support for their families.

One of the key demands raised they raised was the implementation of a comprehensive welfare scheme for SPOs and their families. “Our loved ones risk their lives every day to ensure peace in the region. It’s disheartening that their sacrifices are not recognized with adequate financial and social support,” a wife of an SPO said.

They urged the government to address their grievances urgently. They also called for a permanent policy that ensures fair wages, job stability, and access to basic amenities for SPO families.

Many SPOs fear that without significant policy interventions, their hardships will persist, leaving their children and future generations in despair.–(KINS)

Amit Shah to chair high-level security meeting on J-K on December 19

New Delhi, Dec 14: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to chair a high-level security meeting in the national capital on December 19, official sources said on Saturday.

The officials, privy to the development, told ANI that the meeting will primarily focus on critical security issues, with a special emphasis on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha will also attend the meeting, which aims to review strategies to ensure peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director, of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Senior Army Officers including Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of CAPFs, Chief Secretary, DGP of Jammu and Kashmir and other senior officers are expected to attend the meeting which is being arranged almost five months after Shah chaired a similar high-level review meeting on security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir here in the national capital on June 16.

The meeting is significant in terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government’s committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means.

In the previous meeting, the Home Minister had directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through an area domination plan and zero terror plan in the Jammu division.
Shah had also directed all security agencies in earlier meetings to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner. He had then also emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas.

Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, the Home Minister has reiterated on many occasions that “the government will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir.”–(ANI)

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: December 14-21, 2024

Issued by: MET Centre Srinagar
Date: 14 December 2024

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued a weather update and advisory for the coming week, highlighting mostly dry weather conditions with some cloud cover over Jammu & Kashmir.

Forecast Details:

• 14th December: Generally dry weather.
• 15th December: Generally cloudy skies.
• 16th – 18th December: Generally dry weather.
• 19th – 21st December: Generally cloudy conditions with mainly dry weather.

Advisory ⚠️

1. Cold Wave Alert:
   • A cold wave is expected to persist over many stations during the next 3 days.
   • Residents are advised to take precautions to protect against extreme cold.
2. Travel Advisory:
   • In view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions, particularly over important passes and higher reaches, tourists, travellers, and transporters are strongly advised to:
     • Follow administrative and traffic advisories.
     • Exercise caution while travelling to snow-prone areas.

General Precautions:

• Stay updated with the latest weather bulletins.
• Ensure proper winter gear and vehicle preparedness for snowy and icy roads.
• Travelers to hill stations and remote areas must plan their trips carefully to avoid disruptions.

For more information, visit the official MET Centre Srinagar updates or follow local advisories.

Stay safe and prepared as winter conditions prevail across the region

GMC Baramulla MBBS students protest, demand amendments in reservation policy

‘Restore SRO 49, remove Rule 17, reassess EWS categories’

Baramulla, Dec 13 (KNO): MBBS students of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla protested on Friday against recent amendments to the reservation policy and other administrative decisions, demanding justice and fair policies.

The students, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), demanded the restoration of SRO 49, the removal of Rule 17, and the introduction of a Bond Policy for AIQ (All India Quota) students.

Holding placards with messages “Justice for Doctors” and “Eradicate Draconian Rule 17”, the students chanted slogans against “unfair and oppressive policies” which they said jeopardise their future in the medical profession.

“We are not against reservation, but the current policy is not justifiable. If 70% of the population belongs to open merit, then 70% of seats should go to them. Similarly, if 30% of the population falls under the reserved category, they should get 30% of the seats,” said a protesting student.

The students demanded the reinstatement of SRO 49, a regulation they believe ensures fairness for open-merit candidates. “We demand the return of SRO 49, which will provide justice to open merit students who work hard for their seats,” another student added.

Raising concerns about the categorisation under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the protesters alleged discrepancies and misuse. “The government needs to reassess the EWS categories. Many people are taking undue advantage of this category, which is unfair to those who genuinely qualify for it,” one of the students said.

They urged the government to address their concerns immediately—(KNO)