How Sedentary Lifestyle May Take a Toll on Students’ Heart Health

Doctors are warning that sedentary lifestyles, obesity, hypertension and diabetes may be increasing cardiovascular risks among children and teenagers. A school-based health campaign in Kolkata is encouraging students to prioritise physical activity, healthy eating and Heart Health while also teaching them how to respond during cardiac emergencies.

Academic pressure, long hours of studying and increasingly sedentary routines can make it difficult for teenagers to maintain healthy habits. Experts say that irregular eating patterns, physical inactivity and rising rates of obesity and metabolic conditions deserve greater attention during adolescence.

Rajoshik Ghosh, a Class IX student at Birla High School, Mukundapur, described the dilemma he faces during examinations: forgetting to eat or eating too much.

According to the student, several of his friends have similar habits, while some teenagers are also developing diabetes or experiencing other health problems.

Irregular meals and prolonged periods of inactivity can become particularly concerning when combined with other lifestyle factors. Adolescence is an important period for establishing behaviours that can influence health later in life.

Sedentary Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Health

A sedentary lifestyle involves spending substantial amounts of time sitting or engaging in very little physical activity. For school students, this can include prolonged periods spent studying, using smartphones, watching television, playing video games or using computers.

Regular physical activity, on the other hand, is an important component of overall health. Maintaining an active lifestyle can support healthy body weight and contribute to cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Doctors involved in the school campaign have warned that obesity, hypertension and diabetes can increase health risks, including the risk of cardiovascular disease and other serious complications.

Why Teenagers Need to Pay Attention to Heart Health

Heart health is often associated with older adults, but habits and risk factors can develop much earlier in life.

Excess weight, inadequate physical activity and unhealthy dietary patterns can contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes also require appropriate medical attention rather than being viewed solely as problems of adulthood.

Teaching young people about prevention can therefore help them understand the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate rest and healthy daily routines.

School Campaign Focuses on Heart Health and Fitness

To raise awareness about cardiovascular health among students, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, has launched a school-based workshop in association with Young Metro, The Telegraph, admissiontree.in and Friends FM.

The initiative, titled “Use Heart for Action,” is being held from September 23 to 25 and is linked to World Heart Day, observed on September 29.

The campaign is aimed at students from Classes VIII to XII. According to the supplied report, activities are being conducted across five schools in Kolkata: B.D.M. International, Garden High School, Birla High School, Mukundapur, Delhi Public School, Ruby Park, and Shri Shikshayatan School.

Students Learn About Healthy Habits

The campaign aims to give students a better understanding of heart health and physical fitness while acknowledging the pressures associated with academics.

For teenagers, maintaining healthy habits can be challenging when schoolwork and examinations occupy much of the day. Health education programmes can provide an opportunity to discuss practical issues such as physical activity, nutrition and recognising health problems.

The focus on students from Classes VIII to XII is particularly relevant because adolescence is a period when young people increasingly make independent decisions about food, exercise, screen use and daily routines.

CPR Awareness Can Help During Emergencies

An important component of the campaign is emergency awareness, including CPR education.

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Immediate recognition of the emergency and rapid action can be critical while professional medical assistance is being arranged.

Teaching students how to recognise an emergency and understand the basic principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help build awareness of what to do when someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive.

CPR training should ideally be provided by qualified instructors, as hands-on practice is important for learning correct technique.

Recognising Warning Signs Matters

The campaign also encourages students to recognise warning signs that may indicate a medical emergency.

Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness and abnormal or absent breathing require immediate emergency action. Students should know how to alert teachers or other responsible adults and contact emergency medical services rather than attempting to manage a serious medical emergency alone.

Awareness is particularly important because young people may not always associate serious cardiovascular symptoms with someone their age.

Building Healthy Habits During Adolescence

Experts say that heart-health education should extend beyond occasional awareness campaigns. Everyday habits can form an important part of maintaining long-term health.

Encouraging children and teenagers to remain physically active, eat balanced meals and avoid spending excessive amounts of time sitting can support healthier lifestyles.

Schools and families can also help by creating environments where healthy food choices, physical activity and adequate rest are treated as important parts of a student’s routine rather than competing priorities.

Balancing Academic Pressure With Health

Academic performance can be a major source of pressure for teenagers. During examinations, students may spend long periods studying and may neglect meals, sleep or exercise.

However, maintaining basic health routines remains important during academically demanding periods. Regular meals, adequate sleep and opportunities for movement can help students maintain a sustainable daily routine.

The message of the Kolkata campaign is therefore not simply about avoiding disease. It is also about helping students understand that physical health is part of overall well-being and should not be overlooked because of academic demands.

Conclusion

The growing attention to sedentary behaviour, obesity, hypertension and diabetes among young people highlights the importance of introducing heart-health education early in life.

The “Use Heart for Action” campaign in Kolkata combines awareness about healthy habits with CPR and emergency-response education. Such initiatives can help students understand cardiovascular health while giving them practical knowledge that may be useful during emergencies.

For teenagers, small everyday choices—including staying active, maintaining balanced eating habits and avoiding prolonged sedentary periods—can form part of a broader approach to lifelong health.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Students with health concerns should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.