Bhubaneshwar-Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar successfully hosted a walkathon today to commemorate World Heart Day 2024, with over 500 participants joining the event. The walkathon started at Kalinga Stadium gate no 3, followed a route to Pal Heights square, and concluded at the same gate, aiming to raise awareness about the rising prevalence of cardiac-related issues, especially among younger individuals who are increasingly affected by these conditions. The theme of the walkathon was “Conquer Heart Health”
The event commenced at 7:00 AM, following a 6:00 AM registration. Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Hospital Director, flagged off the walkathon, accompanied by senior cardiologists, Dr. Lingraj Nath, Dr. Jajati Keshari Padhi, Dr. Mahesh Agarwal, Dr. Dibyaranjan Behera, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Dash (Cardiologists), Dr. Jitendra Nath Patnaik, and Dr. Biswajeet Mohapatra (Cardiothoracic Surgeons) and Dr. Vivek Choudhry (Cardiac Anesthesia).
During the event, the team of esteemed doctors voiced their concerns on the increasing prevalence of cardiac issues among younger populations during an awareness event on World Heart Day. Recent studies reveal that 26% of individuals under 30 have experienced cardiac arrest, a staggering statistic that highlights the urgency of raising awareness about heart health. The doctors emphasized the importance of preventive measures such as regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices, noting that events like walkathons play a key role in educating the public.
The walkathon highlighted that the rise in sudden deaths since 2012—mainly due to heart attacks—has led to a 75% increase in casualties, with many of these cases affecting individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. This age group, often at the peak of their careers and family responsibilities, is particularly vulnerable to heart-related issues due to stress, lifestyle choices, and neglect of preventive care.
Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Hospital Director at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, expressed pride in the event’s success, “At Manipal Hospital, our mission is to enhance community health by raising awareness through events like this walkathon. Heart disease is a silent killer, but with proper education and lifestyle changes, we can prevent many of these cases. Today’s event has shown that our community is willing to take proactive steps toward better heart health, and we will continue to support such initiatives moving forward.”
In addition to the walkathon, participants were reminded of key heart health tips, particularly for those between 30 and 50 years old:
- Regular health check-ups
- Consistent exercise
- Healthy eating habits
- Quitting smoking
- Practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
- Obtaining 7-8 hours of good sleep each night
As part of the walkathon initiative, participants were provided with complimentary t-shirts and refreshments.Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar is committed to raising awareness about the importance of early intervention, especially as the burden of cardiac diseases continues to grow. As the event came to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of responsibility toward their personal well-being and a deeper understanding of the steps needed to maintain a healthy heart.
