Emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes to prevent heart-related problems, Dr. Sushil Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Super Specialty Hospital (SSH) Jammu, highlighted the role of preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adopting balanced dietary habits, and engaging in regular physical activity to stay healthy.
Speaking at the conclusion of a Walkathon on World Heart Day held at SSH Jammu, Dr. Sushil remarked that “nothing is more powerful than human resolve to prevent disease.”
In a heartfelt celebration of World Heart Day 2025, the Department of Cardiology, SSH Jammu, under the leadership of Dr. Sharma, organized a day-long walkathon and awareness campaign dedicated to this year’s global theme — “Don’t Miss a Beat.” The initiative sought to highlight the importance of regular heart check-ups, early detection, and continuous cardiac care, while also aligning with the global call to improve access to life-saving heart treatment for all by 2030.
The walkathon commenced from Bikram Chowk and concluded at SSH Jammu, drawing enthusiastic participation from diverse sections of society — including students, healthcare professionals, social workers, paramilitary personnel, and citizens.
Prominent participants included Lok Sabha member from Jammu-Reasi, Jugal Kishore Sharma; Justice Sanjeev Shukla of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court; former Health Minister and MLA Jammu-North, Sham Lal Sharma; former PSC Member Subash Gupta; Advocate Dinesh Chauhan; President Bar Association Poonch, Adv. Sunil Sharma; Superintendent of SSH Jammu, Dr. Rehana Khursheed; eminent cardiologist Dr. Mohan Lal; Dr. Gurjit Singh, Dr. Arvind Kohli, Dr. Nasir Ali, and several other distinguished citizens.
In his address, Jugal Kishore Sharma called for coordinated efforts by all sections of society to spread awareness about heart-related diseases. He noted that awareness is the most effective way to prevent disease and praised Dr. Sharma’s consistent initiative of conducting weekly free medical check-ups and awareness camps across Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice Sanjeev Shukla lauded Dr. Sharma’s dedication to public health, stressing the importance of physical activity for maintaining wellness and cautioning against the overuse of electronic gadgets, which adversely affect health.
Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu-North, appreciated the participation of people from all walks of life in the event. He emphasized the need for regular exercise and awareness campaigns to prevent cardiovascular diseases. He further commended Dr. Sharma for taking healthcare to remote and far-flung areas through medical camps, thereby bringing health facilities directly to people’s doorsteps.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sushil Sharma said:
“This year’s theme — ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’ — reminds us that heart health is not a one-day event. It’s a lifelong rhythm that must be maintained through awareness, regular screening, and timely intervention. Every check-up, every healthy habit, every small change can save a life.”
He pointed out that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming over 20 million lives annually. Despite this alarming statistic, he noted:
“Most heart diseases are preventable with early detection, lifestyle management, and equitable access to care.”
Explaining the broader significance of the theme, Dr. Sharma said “Don’t Miss a Beat” carries a dual message — urging individuals to remain vigilant about their heart health while also inspiring governments and health systems to ensure that no one is denied essential cardiovascular care. He called for stronger community screening programs, timely referrals, and affordable cardiac services for all.
“Every beat counts — not just as a sign of life, but as a call to action. We must ensure that no person, regardless of their background, misses the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the need for continuous awareness across society, focusing on modifiable risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and stress.
“Missing a single beat in preventive action can result in irreversible harm,” he cautioned, urging individuals to adopt heart-friendly lifestyles and undergo annual cardiac check-ups.
Dr. Sharma further emphasized the importance of bridging healthcare inequities, ensuring that rural, underserved, and economically weaker communities have access to essential heart care. He appealed to policymakers to strengthen community-based screening programs, emergency response systems, and health education initiatives that empower people to recognize early warning signs.
The event also featured insightful discussions led by eminent cardiologists and senior faculty members, who shared best practices for maintaining heart health, managing chronic conditions, and integrating preventive care into everyday life. Their collective message was clear: heart health must be continuous, inclusive, and proactive.
The walkathon concluded with the release of balloons carrying health messages such as Beat CVD, Quit Smoking, Healthy Diet, Physical Activity, Maintain Blood Pressure, Control Diabetes and Cholesterol, and De-stress.
Participants included jawans of the 7th Battalion SSB, students from Wazir Jankinath Memorial School, Jammu Sanskriti School, Lawrence Public School, Maha Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, students from several paramedical colleges, as well as faculty, staff, and students from GMCH Jammu and SSH Jammu. Together, they pledged to remain informed, vigilant, and active advocates of cardiac wellness.
The participants echoed a resounding sentiment: missing a beat in awareness or action is not an option.
