Impressive Walkathon organized to mark World Heart Day
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Continuing its mission to raise awareness about the looming cardiovascular crisis, the Department of Cardiology at Super Speciality Hospital Jammu, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Sushil Sharma, Head of the Department, Department of Cardiology, SSH organized a day-long walkathon in celebration of World Heart Day. The event focused on this year’s theme, “Use Heart for Action,” reminding individuals, governments, and health organizations to take proactive measures in preventing heart-related conditions, which remain the world’s leading cause of death. The day served as an opportunity to spread awareness about cardiovascular diseases and encourage preventative action, ultimately helping people around the globe lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Read on as we delve into this year’s theme and the history and significance behind this important day.
The walkathon commenced at Bikram Chowk and concluded at Super Specialty Hospital, Jammu, with enthusiastic participation from people from all walks of life. Dr. Sushil Sharma, alongside eminent cardiologists, highlighted the importance of heart health, stating, “A healthy heart is the gateway to a healthy life.” Dr Sushil emphasized the alarming reality that millions of people die from heart diseases every year. “To combat this, World Heart Day is celebrated annually on September 29th to raise awareness and encourage preventative measures”, he said while putting light on the importance of this day. Dr Sushil expressed his admiration for the resolve of the people of Jammu, as evidenced by the large turnout at the walkathon and the enthusiastic participation from various sections of society. The event aimed to address the growing trend of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which claim 20.5 million lives annually, accounting for 31% of global deaths. Dr. Sushil stressed the need for lifestyle changes to prevent heart-related problems. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dietary preferences, and engaging in physical activity are crucial for heart health,” he suggested.
Dr. Sushil highlighted the significance of human resolve in preventing diseases. “Nothing is more powerful than human resolve to prevent any disease,” he noted, praising the participants for reaffirming their commitment to heart health.. Dr Sushil pointed out that heart attacks and strokes are the primary manifestations of these diseases, which are often triggered by tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. This year’s theme, “Use Heart for Action,” encourages individuals to prioritize heart health and urged leaders to take cardiovascular health more seriously. The theme offers a global platform for meaningful action, highlighting the importance of deliberate and impactful efforts. It marks a shift from simply raising awareness to empowering people with clear goals and a sense of purpose. “Action” also encompasses the dual approach of influencing policies and advocating for behavior change and physical activity, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration and commitment. On this occasion, the city of Jammu came together to emphasize the importance of heart health and encourage preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases.
He emphasized the need for awareness among all sections of society to prevent heart disease. “Collective factors like abnormal lipids, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, psycho-social variables, and alcohol consumption require early intervention. Dr. Mohan Lal ( Former HOD Cardiology GMCH Jammu) , Dr. Gurjit Singh ( Former HOD CVTS GMCH Jammu ) and Dr. Nasir Ali Choudhary provided valuable insights on maintaining heart health and preventing complications in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Speaking on the occasion, Director ACB Shakti Pathak called for coordination among all sections of society to create awareness about heart diseases. “Regular exercise is essential for overall health and well-being,” he emphasized. He appreciated the Walkathon, stating that such events are crucial for creating awareness among people.
Eminent figures, including President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI) Arun Gupta, Koushal Sharma (SSP), Sunil Sharma, Former – chairperson Poonch Municipal Council, Dr Rajinder Singh ( Former Principal GMCH Jammu ) Dr Rehana Superintendent SSH, Dr Sanjogita Sudan Deputy Superintendent SSH, Dr Rajinder Singh ( Orthopaedics) , Dr Narinder Singh ( Paed Surgeon ) Dr I. A Mir (Former HOD CVTS SSH Jammu) , Jyoti Rokri (AAO) ,faculty members , Students and staff members of GMCH Jammu attended the event. Dr Arvind Kohli (Vascular Surgeon) conducted the proceedings of the event.