Srinagar, Apr 25: Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Saturday organised a special medical camp in Srinagar for gym instructors, bodybuilders, athletes, and salon employees in response to recent incidents of deaths reported at some gym centres across Kashmir.
As per a statement issued, Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, and Medical Superintendent KMCH, Prof. Dr Syed Mubashir, along with senior faculty members, specialist doctors, paramedical staff, students, and a large number of participants including gym instructors, bodybuilders, athletes and salon employees were present on the occasion. During the camp, participants underwent health screening and were sensitised about essential precautions to be taken before joining or engaging in rigorous gym activities. OPD services were provided in Physiotherapy, General Medicine, Dermatology and Orthopaedics, with senior KMCH doctors offering free consultations and expert advice.
Participants from different parts of Srinagar attended the camp and benefitted from personalised guidance on fitness safety, injury prevention and overall health management. Medical kits werealso distributed among the participants.
The camp was organised in view of increasing reports of sudden deaths during exercise in gym centres and related incidents in various parts of Kashmir, raising serious concerns about fitness safety and preparedness during emergencies.
Executive Director KMCH, Insha Qazi, said that in the recent past several incidents have been reported in which physically fit youth died in gym centres, and the programme was aimed at creating awareness about precautionary measures. “We are trying to create awareness, and this initiative was aimed at educating gym instructors, bodybuilders and other stakeholders, particularly the youth, about the precautions needed before going to gym centres,” she said.
Health experts at KMCH stated that sudden cardiac arrest during exercise can occur due to undiagnosed heart conditions, arrhythmias, excessive exertion and electrolyte imbalances.
They emphasised that even physically fit individuals may be at risk if underlying health issues remain undetected.
They advised people to undergo proper medical screening, including cardiac evaluation, before engaging in intense workouts and to remain alert to warning signs such as chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. They also stressed the importance of ensuring that gyms are equipped with basic emergency response systems and that trainers are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR.
Doctors also noted that common complaints observed among gym instructors and bodybuilders during the camp included neck and back issues, often resulting from improper posture or overexertion.
“Before going to gym centres, it is advisable to undergo basic screening, such as a cardiac examination. Trainers should be trained in BLS, which is crucial in handling emergencies,” said a senior KMCH doctor.
