More than 2,000 people participated in the doctor-patient rally conducted by pharma company Glenmark on World Heart Day in Chennai.
Shailesh Babu, police commissioner of Chennai, was the chief guest at the rally.
The rally began around 6 a.m. from Gandhi statue on Marina Beach and ended at Venkateswara Hospital. The aim was to create community awareness on the risk features for heart diseases and to share preventive measures and improve the quality of life.
The rally was followed by a seminar on preventive measures to combat hypertension, where distinguished cardiologist Dr Thillai Vallal addressed the gathering at Venkateswara Hospital.
Heart diseases are the globe’s biggest slayer, claiming about 17.5 millions lives every year. The seminar spoke about the poor socio-economic conditions that lead to poor hygienic living conditions which are the main causes for stress and tension which, in turn, cause heart diseases. It is also caused due to overcrowding and poor ventilation. The doctors also spoke about ways of avoiding complex procedures by way of preventive steps. According to them, people wrongly believe that all cardiac procedures are expensive.
Dr Thillai Vallal said, “Most people spend about 60 per cent of their waking hours at work, so healthy choices at the workplace are critical for overall wellness. A diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits and vegetables combined with regular physical activity can lower the risks of heart diseases. So, choose your foods and fats like you choose your friends - think quality, not just quantity.”
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