A large number of health enthusiasts participated in a 'Walkathon' organised by city-based MMI Narayana Multispecialty Hospital to commemorate ‘World Heart Day’ on Sunday.
The objective of the 'Walkathon' was to create awareness among people, especially among women and children about the rise in the number of cardiac cases in India, and to stress on the importance of preventive heart care, a press release issued by MMI Narayana Multispeciality Hospital stated on Sunday.
The ‘World Heart Day’ is observed on September 29 across the globe and the theme for this year is ‘life-course approach to the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with a focus on women and children.’ Walking improves blood circulation and also reduces blood pressure. Brisk walking can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness as well.
The prevalence of heart diseases affecting people between the ages 25 and 69 have gone up to 24.8% and there is an alarming 10-15% rise in cardiovascular diseases among young women. Stress, erratic lifestyles, poor eating habits, excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise have been few of the contributing factors, it stated.
Manish Trivedi, Facility Director, MMI Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Raipur said, “Today, the need for preventive heart care is very important to overcome the rising heart-related ailments. The best way to prevent heart diseases is to have a regular active exercise routine and go for regular health check-ups.