 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 29: Before the city had fully awakened on Tuesday morning, hundreds of people were already on the move, walking from Bikram Chowk to Super Speciality Hospital, Resham Ghar, to mark World Heart Day 2026. Held under this year's theme, "Don't Miss a Beat," the walkathon brought together doctors, students, public representatives, security personnel and citizens to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the importance of prevention.
Addressing participants at the conclusion of the walk, Dr Sushil Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology GMCH, Jammu, said prevention remains one of the strongest defenses against heart disease."Nothing is more powerful than human resolve." He said healthier lifestyles, better food choices and regular physical activity can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr Sharma also appreciated the large turnout, saying people from different sections of society had come together to demonstrate their commitment to heart health.
Dr Sushil stated cardiovascular diseases remain a major global health burden, with heart attacks and strokes among the leading forms of CVD. He identified tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful alcohol consumption as important preventable risk factors. He also stressed the need for early attention to abnormal lipid levels, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, psychosocial stress and alcohol consumption. According to him, inadequate public awareness often makes it difficult for people to recognize risks and adopt preventive measures in time."There is very low awareness about these diseases among people," he said, emphasizing the need to take heart-health messages beyond hospitals and into homes, schools and communities.
Reflecting on the broader message of the campaign, Dr Sushil said using the heart also meant "thinking differently, making the right decisions, acting with courage, helping others and engaging with an important cause." He described the heart as an organ with the power to unite people and called for the World Heart Day message to reach as many people as possible so that cardiovascular health could become a priority "for every heart."
Justice Sanjeev Shukla of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court appreciated Dr Sharma's efforts to promote public awareness about heart disease. He highlighted the importance of physical activity and cautioned people against excessive dependence on electronic gadgets. He said that maintaining good health requires discipline and consistency, urging people, particularly the younger generation, to make exercise and outdoor activities a regular part of their daily routine. He also stressed the importance of spending quality time with family and maintaining a balanced lifestyle to reduce stress and support overall well-being.
The walkathon commenced at 7:00 AM from Bikram Chowk and culminated at Super Speciality Hospital, Resham Ghar. The event focused particularly on recognizing the warning signs of cardiovascular disease and seeking timely medical attention.
Participants were advised to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol regularly; maintain a balanced diet; avoid tobacco; maintain a healthy weight; manage stress; and remain physically active. Doctors also cautioned that some heart conditions can develop silently, while symptoms may sometimes be overlooked or mistaken for less serious problems. The programme emphasized that heart health does not require drastic changes overnight. Daily walking, healthier food choices, stress management and regular health checks can, over time, become sustainable habits that support cardiovascular health.
Among those present were Shakti Pathak, Director, Anti-Corruption Bureau, J&K; Arun Gupta, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCI); Dr Mohan Lal, former HoD, Cardiology, GMC Jammu; Dr Arvind Kohli, former CTVS surgeon, GMC Jammu; Dr Gurjit Singh, former HoD, CVTS Department, GMC Jammu; Dr Vijay Kundal, former HoD, Medicine, GMC Jammu; and Rajinder Sharma, former Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation. Dr Rehana Khursid , Medical Superintendent SSH Jammu , Dr Sanjogita Soodan , DMS SSH Jammu ,. Prominent citizens and security personnel also participated in the walkathon.
Students from Bee Enn College of Nursing, Government AMT School, Bakshi Nagar, Rajiv Gandhi College of Nursing, Jammu College of Nursing, Wazir Janki Nath Memorial Higher Secondary School, Jammu Sanskriti School, British International School, Sainik Colony, Maha Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir Public School Resham Ghar, Jammu, took part in the march. Personnel from 76 BN CRPF Camp, Gangyal, and the CRPF Group Centre, Bantalab also participated.
Students carried the slogan, "Don't Miss a Beat, Use Heart for Action," reinforcing the campaign's call for people to recognize cardiovascular warning signs and act without delay. |
