Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla organises a WALKATHON to create awareness on cardiac health

New Delhi, September 30, 2018: 

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla organized a Walkathon today on 30th September 2018 to commemorate World Heart Day. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation nearly 600 individuals. The walkathon began and ended at the hospital; covering a distance of XX kilometres, the route included Jamia Road, Modi Mill Flyover and Kalkaji Flyover. The walkathon commenced at 7.00am and ended by 8.30am. It was followed by Zumba and a free heart check- up.

The event was flagged off by Shri Khajan Singh (Arjuna Awardee – Swimming, Asian Games Medallist – Olympian), Shri Zafar Iqbal(Padma Shri Awardee, Arjuna Awardee, Former Captain – National Hockey Team), Ms. N. Kunjarani Devi (Arjuna Awardee – Weightlifting, Asian Game Medalist), Shri Paramjeet Singh (Arjuna Awardee – Athlete, Asian Games Medallist Olympian), Col. Harinder Chahel (Regional COO – Delhi/NCR) and Dr. Kousar Ali Shah (Zonal Director, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute).

According to the WHO, heart disease accounts of nearly 17.7 million deaths a year. Physical inactivity, tobacco use, an unhealthy diet and the harmful use of alcohol etc tend to trigger off heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure, obesity, high glucose levels and High blood lipid levels are precursors to any cardiovascular ailment.

On the World Heart Day- Dr Kousar Ali Shah, Zonal Director, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla said- “World heart day is the day to remind us of the importance of our heart and how it’s being healthy is extremely important for us to lead a good and healthy life. With a Walkathon we wanted to give a message to the community that if you keep walking and exercising, your heart will remain healthy and if your heart is healthy it means you are healthy.”

Heart ailments can be combatted by engaging in 30 minutes of inactivity activity a day. If one stops smoking, the risk for coronary heart disease is reduced to half. Keeping a healthy weight and limiting salt intake helps control blood pressure. Blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels should be checked regularly and maintained within normal range, as these are the biggest indicators of heart disease.