Udupi: World Heart Day was observed in the coastal district at Hi-tech Medicare Hospital, Ambalpady, with Doctors, Nurses, support staff, patients and citizens from different walks of life partaking in a rally with an intention to create awareness about the importance of living healthy for a healthy heart. The event was organised by Hi-tech Medicare Hospital and supported by Glenmark, a global integrated pharmaceuticals company.
Coordinated by the Sri Krishna Charitable Trust and Dhanvantari College of Nursing, the rally was supported by various organisations including JCI Kallianpur, Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Udupi and Mount Rosary Church. The rally which commenced at 8 am from the Hi-tech Medicare Hospital and ended at Santhekatte in Kallianpur, witnessed the participation of over 200 Doctors, Nurses, support staff, patients and citizens from different walks of life.
Dr Umesh Rao, eminent cardiologist who was present at the Rally emphasized about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the need for preventive heart care to the gathering. The rally was flagged off by IMA President Geetha Puthran and Assistant District Governor, Rotary, Udupi, Allen Vinay Lewis. Dr Umesh Rao, Managing Trustee, Sri Krishna Charitable Trust and Dhanvantari College of Nursing said, “This is the fifth consecutive year that this rally is being held with an intention to create awareness about the causes of various heart ailments and the prevention thereof. We want people to understand the importance of walking, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol and smoking. We conduct the rally on a Sunday every year, so as to reach as many people as possible”.
Dhanvantari College of Nursing Principal, Prathibha spoke about Youth being the main target of this initiative. “They need to be made aware of the dangers of various lifestyles so that they choose to live a healthy life.” One of the participants, Deepika said, “I am happy to be part of this initiative. We need to create awareness so that young students choose not to smoke and drink. I thank the organisers for creating this opportunity for students to participate and learn from”.
The rally was followed by a Health Camp at the Hospital where examinations like Blood Pressure and Sugar were conducted free of charge. Apart from Mangaluru, Glenmark had organised similar activities in over 30 cities across the country to mark World Heart Day. World Heart Day is globally held on the last Sunday of September each year to inform people about cardiovascular diseases, which are the biggest cause of death worldwide. The event also aims to promote preventative measures that reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.