12 January 2004	Monday	19 Ziqa'ad 1424

KARACHI, Jan 11: The health awareness week, which is being held by the Liaquat National Hospital from Jan 12 to Jan 17, will be made an annual event. This was announced by the hospital administration on Sunday through a press statement. During the week, a wide range of issues would be discussed regarding prevention against diseases as well as treatment options available.

Experts would deliver lectures on selected topics from 9am to 2pm every day throughout the week, while free medical advice would also be offered to the people, the statement said.

On the first day, which will be devoted to heart problems, easy-to-follow information would be disseminated, besides discussion on prevention of heart ailments.

Tuesday will be meant for infectious diseases. Issues in prevention of viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and smoking will be among the topics the doctors will be focussing on.

On Wednesday, the experts will educate the public on bowel cancer, gastric problems, oral cancer, treatment of burns, osteoporosis and osteo-arthritis.

Thursday will be a "Mother and Child Day," when the health care professionals will be discussing breast cancer in detail. Common gynaecological problems will also be taken up, according to the press release.

Friday will be for kidneys and related diseases. The value of responding to blood in urine in time will be focussed. Other issues to be discussed include urinary incontinence, kidney stones and renal failure.

Saturday will be the "Diabetes Day," and the consultants will be educating the people regarding sugar control through appropriate dietary habits. Eye problems will be discussed and the experts will also speak on the possible effects of the ailment on kidneys.