PGI Celebrates World Heart Day in Advanced Cardiac Centre

By 121 News

Chandigarh 30^th September:- World Heart Day 2015 was celebrated at Advanced Cardiac Center, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The theme for this year's unique inspirational activity first of its kind was "Heart Healthy Environment". It is the world's largest event for promotion of healthy habits to decrease Cardiovascular risk globally. Department of Cardiology, PGIMER and renowned Artist and Painter Prof. Ravindra Sharma from Govt. College of Arts Sector 10, Chandigarh organized a painting workshop with participation by school children in cardiology section of Advanced Cardiac Center. The participants of the event witnessed a heartwarming painting session by the Professor of Arts assisted by children and teenage students who took part in the event. The paintings depicting the importance of maintaining a healthy body and environment were exhibited at the Cardiac Center along with sand sculpture displays.  The event was presided by Chief Guest Sanjay Tandon, President of BJP unit Chandigarh and Guest of honour Prof. Y. K Chawla Director, PGIMER and Prof. Y.P. Sharma HOD Department of Cardiology, PGIMER.

Patients and visitors were educated about the theme for this year "Creating Heart Healthy Environment". Heart being an important organ supplying blood and nutrients to all other organs of the body including the brain is in a delicate balance with their proper functioning and well being. So any kind of stress mental or physical can directly and indirectly affect the heart adversely. A good relaxing sleep, stress free environment, clean and unpolluted surroundings and a healthy life style were stressed upon for protection against cardiovascular disease.

Psychosocial stress is one of the most important factors for premature coronary artery disease. Measure to reduce stress such as sports activities, painting, arts, leisure time walks for at least 30-40 minutes five days a week   would go a long way in reducing daily stress.  Weekend activities like picnics, watching exhibitions and making efforts to be close to nature significantly reduces psychosocial stress and hence decrease the cardiovascular disease risk.

Dr. Yash Paul Sharma Prof. & Head Department of Cardiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh said that on this World Heart Day we would like to spread the message that at least 80% of premature deaths from Cardiovascular Disease could be avoided if the four main risk factors namely tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol are avoided.

Saplings of flowering plants were planted in the Cardiac Center campus as a symbol of clean and healthy environment. The event was concluded by Prof. Yash Paul Sharma HOD Department of Cardiology, PGIMER by thanking Prof. Ravindra Sharma, Sanjay Tandon and Prof. Y.K Chawla Director PGI for making the awareness programme a resounding success.