Mysuru: Thousands of people, irrespective of age and from all walks of life, took part in a walkathon, organised by Narayana Hrudayalaya (NH)  Multi-Specialty Hospital as part of World Heart Day in city this morning. The walkathon was flagged off by District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. B. Basavaraju from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the North Gate of the Mysore Palace in the presence of Senior Cardiologist Dr. Keshavamurthy, Cardiologist Dr. Rajendra, Senior Cardiac Surgeon Dr. M.N. Ravi, Facility Director Nithin Ayyappa, Marketing Chief K.V. Kamath and others.

Speaking on the occasion, DHO Dr. Basavaraju said that it was a good sign to see such a huge crowd of more than 5,000 people concerned about healthy heart and participating in the walkathon. This would send a good message to others, he added.

He said that if one’s heart is healthy, the person would be in good health for which he should do regular physical exercises and consume healthy food which is the need of the hour. Dr. Basavaraju said that if one takes care of his/ her heart, about 80% of heart diseases could be prevented.

Dr. Keshavamurthy said that heart diseases were on the rise in the country with the disease claiming a life every 33 seconds and added that today’s walkathon would create awareness among masses on causes and prevention of heart diseases.

Stating that ‘heart health is the heart of all health,’ Dr. Keshavamurthy said that World Heart Day is being observed each year to inform people about Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs), which are the biggest cause of death in the world.

Small changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting more exercise and giving up smoking can make heart powerful, he said.

Participants comprising NSS units of Mahajana PU College, Badriparasdji PU College, Government CPC Polytechnic, Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and Maharani’s Women’s Arts College, members of Lions Club of Mysore Elite, GRS Fantasy Park, NCC Units of Vidyavardhaka Law College and Banumaiah Arts and Commerce College, students of Deaf and Dumb School, East West International School, Sai Ranga Vidya Samsthe and a large number of people took part in the walkathon.

Walkers carrying placards with messages on healthy heart and prevention of heart diseases such as ‘Eat Healthy Meals’; ‘Walk or Cycle to Work’, ‘Walk 10,000 Steps Daily’ etc., passed through Town Hall, Gandhi Square, Prabha Talkies, Sayyaji Rao Road, Government Ayurveda Hospital Circle, Irwin Road, Nehru Circle, Ashoka Road and culminated in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple.

Healthy snacks comprising banana and dry fruits were distributed to all participants on the occasion.