Rela Hospital Hosts Walkathon For Lung & Heart Health Awareness

Rela Hospital organised a 5-km walkathon in Chennai to raise awareness about lung and heart health, marking the observance of World Lung Day on September 25 and World Heart Day on September 29. The event attracted over 500 participants, including doctors, students, and local citizens, all rallying for the cause of better health.

The healthcare provider in a statement on Friday informed that the walkathon was flagged off by Pavan Kumar Reddy IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tambaram, alongside prominent healthcare professionals from Rela Hospital: Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, CEO; Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan, Director and Senior Consultant of the Institute of Cardiac Sciences; and Dr. Aishwarya Rajkumar, Clinical Lead - Transplant Pulmonology.

In addition to the walkathon, Rela Hospital is offering a free heart and lung health camp on September 29, targeting individuals experiencing symptoms related to heart or lung conditions. The camp provides valuable diagnostic screenings and consultations with specialists, aimed at promoting early detection and preventive healthcare.

For those concerned about heart health, the camp will include ECGs, ECHO screenings, and cardiologist consultations, catering to people suffering from symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and breathlessness. Smokers and individuals with chronic cough, wheezing, or respiratory issues will benefit from the lung health camp, which includes pulmonary function tests, x-rays, and consultations with pulmonologists.

"Awareness and Prevention Go Hand-in-Hand"

Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy emphasised the dual role of hospitals in both treating diseases and promoting prevention. "At Rela Hospital, we actively engage in awareness initiatives like this walkathon because heart and lung diseases are major causes of death worldwide. We are committed not only to treating these conditions but also to preventing them through public education," said Dr. Kaliamoorthy. He highlighted the growing need for public advocacy for cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles as key factors in reducing disease incidence.

He also pointed out the hospital's ongoing efforts to enhance its medical expertise and integrate cutting-edge technology for the benefit of patients. "We continue to collaborate with other hospitals and NGOs to extend our reach beyond our immediate community," he added.

A Global Health Challenge

Dr. Srinath Vijayasekharan, in his observations on World Heart Day, spoke on the global rise of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). "CVDs continue to surge due to poor lifestyle choices, hypertension, and diabetes. Globally, heart disease is responsible for 17.9 million deaths each year, and in India, it accounts for over 25 per cent of all deaths, with younger populations increasingly affected," he said. However, advances in medical technology, such as early diagnostic tools, minimally invasive procedures, and treatments like stents and robotic surgeries, have greatly improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Vijayasekharan stressed the importance of prevention in reducing the burden of CVDs: "By adopting healthier diets, staying active, and managing stress, we can significantly protect our heart health."

The Vital Importance of Lung Health

On World Lung Day, Dr. Aishwarya Rajkumar drew attention to the essential role lungs play in maintaining overall health. "Without proper lung function, the body's oxygen supply is compromised, affecting every cell and organ. Chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma afflict over 500 million people globally," she noted. In India, poor air quality contributes to 1.7 million deaths annually, with rising incidences of lung disease driven by pollution, smoking, and occupational hazards.

Dr. Rajkumar underscored the impact of medical advancements, including innovative diagnostic tools and treatments like biologics, which are transforming the treatment landscape for lung diseases. Yet, she emphasised, "Preventive measures, including clean air initiatives and regular health check-ups, remain crucial for maintaining healthy lungs."