Press Release (GA)

Udupi, Sep 22: Kasturba Hospital will be organizing a National-level "World Heart Day Run" of around 25,000 people. The run, will be flagged off by Vasanthi R Pai at 8 am on Sunday, September 24 from MGM College, Kunjibettu to Kasturba Hospital OPD, Manipal (4 kms). There will be issue of T Shirts (free for early birds) to participants.  Refreshments are arranged at Kasturba Hospital OPD. Purpose of this run is to create awareness about importance of having healthy heart precautionary measures can prevent about 42% of heart diseases.

Announcing this in a press release, Dr Padma Kumar, interventional cardiologist, KMC, Manipal said that physical inactivity or very less activity contributes significantly to ageing the heart, as it can lead to overweight and obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The heart is a muscle that needs regular exercise to keep it pumping blood efficiently with every heart beat. Being active also improves overall health, gives more energy, reduces stress, builds stronger bones and muscles, and improves balance, strength and mobility, she added.

According to Dr Padma Kumar, regular physical activity will help: 

•  To Slow down the narrowing of the arteries to the heart and brain 
•   Will encourage body to use up stored fat
•   It is crucial in helping weight loss & fighting obesity 
•   To improve the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood
•   Maintain normal blood glucose levels
•   Managing diabetes
•   Reduce high blood pressure
•   Smokers to quit - smokers who exercise are twice as successful in quitting smoking
   

What type of Physical activity is best for Heart?

For overall good health, says Dr Padma Kumar, aerobic (endurance type), strengthening activities and stretching exercises should be included as routine.

Aerobic activity is the best exercise for heart. This includes brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, gardening, etc; any activity that uses heart, lungs and muscles over a period of 30 minutes to an hour. Strengthening activities work on the stomach and lower back muscles. Stronger, larger muscles use up more calories.  So climbing stairs, digging in the garden and walking uphill will help to maintain a healthy weight. Stretching exercises like Yoga help promote flexibility.