Kathmandu, Dec. 23 -- A few days ago, a 43-year-old man from Kathmandu reached Basundhara-based the National Cardiac Centre for treatment of high blood pressure. Doctors attending the patients found that the man's blood pressure was extremely high, 220/110mmHg.

"The patient had severe headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath and serious renal problems due to high blood pressure," said Dr Om Murti, an interventional cardiologist. "Until a few months ago, his blood pressure was under control, but when he stopped exercising after the start of the cold months and changed his eating habits, he suffered from multiple problems at once."

Doctors say this is a common refrain among many people who stop morning walks and other regular exerci...