In a first, Punjab minister unveils joint health advisory to prevent gym-related deaths

With the rise in number of sudden deaths during gym workouts and sports activities, the state government has taken a serious step to safeguard the lives of its youth.

In a first, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Thursday unveiled a joint health advisory in an event titled ‘Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Among Gym-Goers and Sportspersons’.

The initiative, a collaboration between Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), seeks to educate and safeguard those who push their physical limits in gyms and sports arenas.

A significant step

It is a part of the state government’s larger mission, ‘Swasth Punjab – Surakshit Punjab’, and stands as a significant step towards creating a safe, health-conscious environment for the state’s youth — where fitness doesn’t come at the cost of life.

In his address, he expressed serious concern over rising health risks among fitness-conscious youth and emphasised the need for timely awareness and regulation. He said sudden cardiac arrests during exercise or sports were not mere accidents but often the result of undiagnosed medical conditions, unregulated dietary choices and unchecked supplement use.

Dr Balbir Singh added that today’s high-pressure lifestyle, unhealthy diets and lack of medical screenings were putting the young generation at serious risk — even when they appear physically fit.

The Health Minister recalled that the concept of the advisory took root during his discussion with PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal and Dr Bishav Mohan from the DMCH. Aware of the troubling rise in sudden cardiac arrest incidents among fitness enthusiasts, he felt that a science-backed yet accessible resource was urgently needed.

Concerned about the unchecked intake of supplements by gym-goers following advice from unqualified sources, he appreciated how swiftly universities and medical experts responded. He opined that the poster (advisory) was not only a document but a life-saving guide crafted through collaboration, scientific reasoning and empathy for the youth.

It was observed that in many such cases, individuals had not undergone any medical fitness screening before starting intense exercise routines. Further, the testing showed that several victims were using unsafe supplements, energy drinks and performance enhancers that had harmful effects on their heart and liver. Experts also analysed air quality inside gyms and discovered that poor ventilation and indoor air pollution could also contribute to sudden health emergencies.

The advisory recommends that gym-goers and athletes properly warm up and cool down before and after exercise, undergo regular health screenings, use only certified and tested supplements and strictly avoid energy drinks or steroid-based products. Special attention has been given to the rising trend of “quick-result” supplements, which are often consumed without medical advice and pose serious health threats.

Recognising the importance of emergency response, the Health Department has also launched a state-wide initiative to train gym users, trainers and young athletes in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Basic Life Support (BLS). These life-saving skills are now being taught directly inside gyms and sports centres across the state, ensuring that timely action could be taken during emergencies.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal termed the poster a ‘health capsule’ distilled from rigorous expert consultation spread over a series of meetings with the experts. He said the initiative proved that PAU’s role transcends agriculture; it’s equally committed to physical and mental well-being of its students and the wider community.

GADVASU Vice-Chancellor Dr Jatinder Paul Singh Gill lauded the openness with which experts from cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology and nutrition debated complex health concerns for the health advisory.

Principal of the DMCH and cardiologist, Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander, hoped that the advisory would find a place in gyms, training centres and colleges across the state, inspiring other districts to emulate the model.

Renowned cardiologist Dr Bishav Mohan from the DMCH underscored the urgency of the message.

He stated that most gym-related cardiac arrests stem from preventable missteps. A basic understanding of body limits, pre-workout screenings, hydration and rest cycles can make the difference between health and hazard.

Earlier, a newly established gymnasium with the financial support from the state government was also inaugurated by the Health Minister.