Ludhiana News- Mini Marathon- Apollo Dil Ki Daud Organised by SPS Apollo Hospitals

Ludhiana, September 29, 2013: To encourage and motivate people to make their heart healthy and to emphasise the importance of a healthy lifestyle, SPS Apollo Hospitals organised the "Apollo Dil ki Daud" - a mini marathon at Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana.

More than 1200 people from across the region including Senior citizens, patients, doctors and hospital associates participated in the marathon.

In a massive show of solidarity and unity for the purpose of spreading the message for a healthy heart, over 1200 people from Ludhiana, students from AISEC, volunteers from Billion Hearts Beating Foundation, employees from corporate including Coca Cola, Bonn Breads, Radiant Toyota, Eastman Industries, Ralson India, Avon Cycles, Uniparts Group, Hyatt Hotels, KOC Industries, Mondelez, Apollo Munich Health Insurance, Vardhman Group to name a few took part in this marathon. Close to 100 doctors along with their families from SPS Apollo Hospitals also ran for this important cause. All participants believed that there is huge need for such events to generate awareness among the masses about how to keep their heart healthy.

There were 4 categories for participation in the 3 km run, for men and women in age group of 18- 40 years and above 40 years. All runners were felicitated with participation certificates, attractive prizes and medals.

"We received overwhelming response and support from the residents of Ludhiana, corporate partners, industry, students from colleges and our staff. With over 1200 people participating in this mini marathon, Apollo Dil Ki Daud, was a success in raising awareness amongst people. The marathon intended to motivate individuals to take necessary steps towards a healthy heart," said Jugdiep Singh, Managing Director, SPSApollo Hospitals. Singh also thanked the police authorities, district administration, sports authority and the municipal corporation for all their support and cooperation in making the marathon successful.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. JS Grewal, Senior Consultant, Department of Interventional Cardiology, SPS Apollo Hospitals said “Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.3 million lives a year. Cardio vascular diseases have assumed epidemic proportions in India with 10% of the adult population having been affected by it”. Dr. Grewal reiterated the importance of keeping the heart healthy through a disciplined lifestyle including good, balanced diets and regular exercise.

By 2015, 60% of the world's cardiac patients will be Indians. Recent health reports have shown that Indians are four times more likely to suffer a heart attack than their western counterparts owing to genetic and lifestyle related factors. In India 60% of patients suffer from acute coronary syndrome, as compared to 40% in the developed world. Addressing the concern, Apollo Dil Ki Daud was designed to get people to do something constructive about their heart health, according to Dr. KC Mukherjee, Senior Consultant and Coordinator, Department of Cardiac Surgery, SPS Apollo Hospitals.

Winners of Mini Marathon.

City Air News photo: Mandeep Kumar Verma/Ludhiana