Sambad organizes Cyclothon in Odisha capital ahead of World Heart Day

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 27:

State‘s leading vernacular daily ‘Sambad’, in association with Solid HD Cement, today played host to the largest ever Cyclothon of Odisha organised here to create awareness on heart diseases.

Participants from all walks of life and across age groups participated in the event along with hundreds of students of various schools and ‘We Ride Bicycle Organisation’. The rally started from Sikharchandi square in the city at about 6:30 AM and reached Kalinga Stadium via Jaydev Vihar. The 12 kilometre long distance was covered in about an hour.

The event was intended to promote regular exercise, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and discourage smoking.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest and State Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak highlighted the need of a healthy heart.

“It is better to be fit enough than being sick and a burden on someone else. One needs a healthy heart for a healthy mind and for a healthy heart, exercise is extremely important,” said Nayak.

“Lifestyle plays an important part to have a healthy heart. At least 30 minutes of cycling or jogging helps immensely,” said Heart Specialist Dr. Mahendra Tripathy.

The same sentiment was echoed by Twin City Police Commissioner Dr Rajendra Sharma, who was a guest in the event.

Among others Arjun awardee cyclist Minati Mohapatra, Solid HD Cement AVP Sanjeev Gupta, Olympian Anuradha Biswal, international footballers Sradhanjali Samantaray, international sprinter Dutee Chand, Odisha’s first female chess grandmaster Kiran Manisa Mohanty, international karate player Valena Valentina, first Everest conqueror of Odisha Ganesh Chandra Jena were present on the occasion to encourage the participants.

While Managing Director of Eastern Media Monica Nayar Patnaik presented the welcome address, Executive Director Tanaya Patnaik presented the vote of thanks.

It may be noted that World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year and is celebrated across the globe to encourage people to take part in the world’s biggest intervention against cardiovascular disease (CVD).

CVD continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in the world today. Over 17.3 million people die from CVD related diseases every year. The most prevalent CVDs include coronary heart disease (heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (stroke). Controlling key risk factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and blood pressure usually reduces the risk of CVD.