Run for Heart Health on World Heart Day - Sep 29

Chandigarh, September 25, 2024: In view of health-related issues assuming a critical proportion worldwide including India, a 5-km long ‘Run for Heart Health' will be organized by Grecian Park Hospital in Mohali on September 29, which is being celebrated as World Heart Day.

Dr Harinder Singh Bedi, Director, Cardiac Sciences, Park Grecian Hospital and Dr. Neeraj Bhargava, Lab Director & Additional Medical Superintendent, Park Grecian Hospital held a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club here to share details of the pertinent activity being organised on the occasion of World Heart Day. A poster of the upcoming run was also unveiled at the press conference. 

Dr Bedi said, “The run is aimed at creating awareness about heart diseases, especially their prevention. People should know how physical activities help keep our hearts healthy. For a good heart, one needs to manage stress, control BP, maintain ideal weight, have a sensible diet and do regular yoga.”

The event is in sync with the theme of ‘Use Heart for Action’ supporting individuals to care for their hearts and take cardiovascular health seriously.

Dr Bedi added, “The run assumes significance due to the alarming situation related to heart health mainly among younger Indians. Every minute, four people die of a heart attack in India and the age group affected is usually 30 to 50 years. It is unfortunate indeed that according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, 25 percent of heart attack deaths in India occur in people below 40 years of age. This has been highlighted in recent times by well-known media and social site personalities being attacked by the disease.”

While explaining the run's route Ashok Bedwal, CEO, Park Grecian Hospital, Mohali said that the 5-Km run would start at 5.30 am from Grecian Park Hospital, Sector 69, Mohali. The participants will make a U-Turn from DBU Chowk and will finish the run at its point of origination – Park Grecian Hospital by 8.30 am. As many as 700 Prominent citizens of tricity, doctors, women, children and health enthusiasts are expected to take part in the run.

Dr Bedi informed that the run would be flagged off by Chief Guest Major General Mathews Jacob, VSM, Commandant, Command Hospital Western Command, Chandimandir, Deputy Commissioner, Mohali, Ms Aashika Jain(IAS); Mr Deepak Pareek(IPS), SSP, Mohali, and others.

Reflecting on the significance of running and its impact on the heart health, Dr Neeraj Bhargava, who is also an experienced marathon runner, said, “Daily running offers numerous benefits for heart health including improved cardiovascular fitness, strengthening of heart muscle, enhances the heart’s efficiency in pumping blood, and even lowers blood pressure.”

Dr Bhargava further said that running also increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – good cholesterol – and lowers triglycerides. “At the same time, running also helps burn calories, which can aid in maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of heart disease,” he said.

In conclusion Dr Bedi said, “The global theme of World Heart Day – Action for Heart Health - highlights a shift from awareness to empowerment with a clear purpose and goal. There is also the two-way nature of action: efforts to influence policies and advocate for behaviour change and physical activity.”