 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 29: Emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes to prevent heart-related problems, Dr. Sushil Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Super Specialty Hospital (SSH) Jammu, highlighted the role of preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adopting balanced dietary habits, and engaging in regular physical activity to stay healthy.
Speaking at the conclusion of a Walkathon on World Heart Day held at SSH Jammu, Dr. Sushil remarked that "nothing is more powerful than human resolve to prevent disease." In a heartfelt celebration of World Heart Day 2025, the Department of Cardiology, SSH Jammu, under the leadership of Dr. Sushil organized a day-long walkathon and awareness campaign dedicated to this year's global theme "Don't Miss a Beat. "The initiative sought to draw attention to the importance of regular heart check-ups, early detection, and continuous cardiac care, while also aligning with the global call to improve access to life-saving heart treatment for all by 2030. The Walkathon commenced from Bikram Chowk and concluded at SSH Jammu, attracting enthusiastic participation from diverse sections of society including students, healthcare professionals, social workers, and citizens.
Prominent participants included Lok Sabha member from Jammu-Reasi, Jugal Kishore Sharma; Justice Shri Sanjeev Shukla of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court; former Health Minister and MLA Jammu-North, Sham Lal Sharma, Former PSC Member Shri Subash Gupta, Adv Dinesh Chauhan , President Bar association Poonch Adv Sunil Sharma , Superitendent of Super Speciality Hospital Dr Rehana Khursheed and eminent cardiologist Dr. Mohan Lal; Dr. Gurjit Singh, Dr. Arvind Kohli, Dr Nasir Ali and several other distinguished citizens of Jammu.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, in his address, called for coordinated efforts by all sections of society to spread awareness about heart-related diseases. He noted that awareness is the best way to prevent disease and praised Dr. Sharma's long-standing initiative of conducting weekly free medical check-ups and awareness camps in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Shri Sanjeev Shukla appreciated Dr. Sushil's efforts in raising awareness about heart diseases among the general public. He also stressed the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health and cautioned against the adverse impact of excessive reliance on electronic gadgets.
Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu-North, lauded the participation of people from all walks of life in the walkathon. He emphasized the need for regular exercise and community-wide awareness campaigns to prevent such diseases. He also appreciated Dr. Sharma for organizing health camps in remote and far-flung areas, thereby bringing healthcare facilities to people's doorsteps.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Sushil Sharma said: "This year's theme - 'Don't Miss a Beat' reminds us that heart health is not a one-day event. It's a lifelong rhythm that must be maintained through awareness, regular screening, and timely intervention. Every check-up, every healthy habit, every small change can save a life. "He emphasized that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming over 20 million lives annually. Despite this alarming figure, he noted. "Most heart diseases are preventable with early detection, lifestyle management, and equitable access to care." Dr. Sharma explained that "Don't Miss a Beat" carries a dual message - urging individuals to stay vigilant about their own heart health, while also inspiring healthcare systems and governments to ensure that no one is denied access to essential cardiovascular care. He called for stronger community screening programs, timely referrals, and affordable cardiac services accessible to all.
"Every beat counts - not just as a sign of life, but as a call to action. We must ensure that no person, regardless of their background, misses the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment," he stressed. He highlighted the need for continuous awareness across all sections of society, particularly focusing on modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and stress. "Missing a single beat in preventive action can result in irreversible harm," he cautioned, urging individuals to undergo annual cardiac check-ups and adopt heart-friendly lifestyles. Dr. Sushil also underscored the importance of bridging healthcare inequities, ensuring that rural, underserved, and economically weaker communities have access to essential heart care. He appealed to policymakers to invest in community-based cardiac screening, emergency response systems, and health education programs that empower people to recognize early warning signs.
The event also featured insightful discussions led by eminent cardiologists and senior faculty members, who shared best practices for maintaining heart health, managing chronic conditions, and integrating preventive care into daily routines. Their collective message was clear: heart health must be continuous, inclusive, and proactive. The energetic crowd reflected a shared commitment to never missing a beat - both in caring for their own hearts and in spreading awareness to others.
The walkathon concluded with the release of balloons carrying health messages such as Beat CVD, Quit Smoking, Healthy Diet, Physical Activity, Maintain Blood Pressure, Control Diabetes and Cholesterol, and De-stress.
Jawans of 7BN SSB, Students from Wazir Jankinath Memorial School, Jammu Sanskriti School, Lawrence Public School, Maha Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir School , Students of Several Paramedical College actively participated in the walkathon. Several faculty members, students, and staff from GMCH Jammu and SSH Jammu also joined, pledging to remain informed, vigilant, and active advocates of cardiac wellness. |
