Today I went to a unique event cum special medical camp titled ?Save a Heart, Save a Family?.

In an attempt to raise awareness about heart-related diseases, the Kerala Medical Graduates Emirates (AKMG) launched the Emirates Save-a-Heart Day today on Friday, May 3, at the India Trade and Exhibition Centre (ITEC), near Sharjah Expo.  This unique camp was set up ?to prevent, treat and defeat heart disease ?by raising vital awareness about heart diseases.

The event included  a free heart-screening camp, a walkathon, beginning at 7.30am, painting and poster designing competition and a panel discussion where patients could interact with cardiologists. It was attended by M.K Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to the UAE and prominent cardiologists.

The day?s programme started with a  walkathon at 7.30 am, titled ?Towards a Healthy Heart, Step by Step,? to raise awareness about heart health.  So many people came in on early morning of Friday to join this walk to spread awareness about heart ailments. I enjoyed walking and listening to crucial tips and steps to healthy heart –given by few Drs. and coordinators over there-like walk more , watch your numbers(BP , bad cholesterol , good cholesterol , BMI) and  reduce stress.

This was  followed by painting and poster designing competitions for children from different schools in the UAE, dwelling on the same theme. The aim was to raise awareness in children about the value of instilling good living habits early in life, so that these habits will persist through adulthood. I was glad to participate in this competition. The theme for poster designing competition was ?Healthy cities for Healthy living?

The function featured dignitaries like M.K. Lokesh, Ambassador of India to the UAE and Padmabhushan Dr K J Yesudas who did more than 300 heart operations through his charitable organisation. I was fortunate to meet these 2 prominent personalities and share the same frame with them on this special event.

It was a day well spent for a good cause with good people.