The last Sunday in September is the day chosen by World Health Organization (WHO) to mark the World Heart Day. On the day, WHO aims at increasing public awareness to reduce cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke.

BCMSchool emerged the winner while DPS was the first runner-up and KVM was the second runner-up. In the individual event, Tanvi from DPS was the overall winner.

Dr. GS Wander thanked all the students for their participation and also gave away the prices to the winners.

In the quiz competition, in the team-event, the team from

Dr. Rawat, Yoga Instructor, engaged the children in a brief yoga and meditation session which was followed by a quiz competition.

Miss Krishma, Dietician at HDHI said, “One gains 25 % of adult height, 50% of adult weight and 40% of adult bone mass during adolescence. As such the need to cultivate the right habits during ones formative years cannot be overemphasized. One’s energy intake should balance one’s energy expenditure. Physically active people have higher energy needs whereas those with low physical activity can become obese even with low energy intake. Also, those who eat healthy and exercise regularly can occasionally enjoy high fat and high calorie foods which, as a rule, should be avoided. Snacks like fresh fruits, sprouted beans and nuts offer a good alternative to unhealthy junk food which is high in calorie, fat and sodium and low in fiber. While having their meals children should avoid viewing TV or reading and instead relish the meals by eating slowly and chewing properly. Small frequent meals are better than eating a lot at one go.”

Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, began the session by explaining to the children the basic anatomy and functioning of the heart. Dr. Shiba, Attending Consultant, next elaborated on the causes of heart disease and how to prevent the disease. She briefly discussed the main causes of the disease namely, hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, unhealthy and cholesterol-rich diet and obesity. She said that a balanced diet coupled with an active lifestyle can keep one heart fit and healthy as conveyed by the theme of this year’s World Heart Day which is to “Work with Heart.” The theme stands for workplace health promotion through the reduction of individual risk-related behaviours such as tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Dr. Sarju Ralhan, Sr. Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, spoke on the different types of treatments available for managing heart disease.

Among the experts who addressed the children on the occasion were Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Dr. Shiba Thakkar, Dr. Sarju Ralhan, Dr. SS Rawat and Miss Krishma Virk.

Hero DMC Heart Institute (HDHI) commemorated the day by organizing a series of short lectures for children from all the leading schools of the city. The lectures were followed by a quiz competition for the participating children. The events were inaugurated by Mr. Prem Gupta, Secretary, DMCH Managing Society who was also accompanied by Chief Cardiologist & Coordinator, HDHI, Dr. GS Wander and Medical Superintendent, DMCH, Dr. Rajoo Singh Chinna.