HCG-Rotary Southwest launches “Stop Smoking, Add life to Years” campaign

Bangalore, May 31, 2010: On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2010, HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) - South Asia‘s largest cancer care network and Rotary Southwest Club partnered and kicked off “Stop Smoking, Add Life to years” campaign as part of its cancer prevention drive. The campaign was launched by Mr. Nagabharana, Film Director and Ms. Ragini Dwivedi, Actor in the presence of Dr. Shekhar Patil, Medical Oncologist, HCG and Rtn. Bhagwan SK, and a guide on the crusade theme was also released.

As part of the campaign HCG would offer an integrated de-addiction programme that combines well proven modules of psychotherapy, relaxation, diet and yoga that helps in managing addiction successfully. The 8 days de-addiction programme (June 5, 2010 to June 13, 2010) would be conducted under the guidance of Dr Raghavendra Rao, Consultant HCG Cancer Prevention Program.

Sharing his thoughts on the World No Tobacco Day Dr. Shekhar Patil, Medical Oncologist, HCG, said, “Worldwide prevalence of smoking is around 1.30 billion. Smoking causes 4.40 lakh deaths each year and it is estimated that ban of tobacco worldwide would reduce the incidence of cancers by 46%”.

Against this background, Dr Raghavendra Consultant HCG - Cancer Prevention Program said “We are keen to champion the ´Stop Smoking, Add Life to Years‘ campaign and thereby prevent various tobacco related disorders that afflict people from all walks of life”. According to him the scientifically designed de-addiction programme would motivate and improve individual‘s will power and also help them to successfully cope with withdrawal syndrome.

Actor Ragini Dwivedi, stressed on the number of women smokers increasing day by day. She said “A lot of women start the habit at a young age primarily during their teens and continue as they feel; by smoking they exemplify confidence and exuberance, which is not true, they do not realize the fact that all this only leads to various health risks, like cancer, heart disease, infertility etc ….

Rtn. Bhagavan S.K.- President Elect, Rotary Southwest said “We have partnered with HCG for a good cause, as the habit of smoking is alarmingly increasing amongst youngsters of today”. “Taking a leaf out of ancient Indian principles, HCG has devised a unique program that combines yoga, psychotherapy and nutrition to overcome such habits” he added.

The de-addiction programme would essentially consist of breathing exercises, asanas, pranayama and relaxation techniques. The yoga breathing techniques not only helps cleanse the respiratory system of toxins but also assists best when individuals crave for a cigarette. Likewise, the asanas help to develop inner awareness, while pranayama instills mental calmness & improve lung function and relaxation techniques facilitate in managing day to day stress.

About HCG:
HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG), a leader in oncology care in India, currently manages a network of 20 cancer centres across Asia. HCG focuses on cancer treatment centres, imaging & laboratory services and clinical trials & research services. The vision of HCG is to provide high quality, integrated, comprehensive cancer treatment to all segments of society. Bangalore Institute of Oncology (BIO), the flagship of HCG, set up almost 2 decades back was the first dedicated comprehensive cancer centre to be established in the private sector in India. Under the guidance of Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, BIO acquired Curie Centre of Oncology in 2000 and re-christened it as HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. Besides expanding to other geographies nationally, HCG acquired Triesta Sciences in December 2005. Under this banner HCG runs a high end Onco-Reference Laboratory, Biomarker research & validation R&D laboratory and Contracted Research Organization - CRO.

About Rotary Bangalore Southwest:
Rotary Bangalore Southwest (RBSW) was chartered in 1981. In its 29 years of existence it has rendered many community service projects in & around South Bangalore. RBSW is one of the leading clubs of the RI Dist. 3190. RBSW‘s flagship programs include “Water for Life”, “One Free Dialysis a Day” and “Disaster Relief” Under “water for Life” RBSW facilitates safe drinking water to children by providing Water Filters to needy schools. Under “One Free Dialysis a Day” RBSW supports Free Dialysis program of Bangalore Kidney Foundation. RBSW has been consistently providing emergency and rehabilitation relief through survival kits and reconstruction program to the people affected by natural calamities.