Navi Mumbai Walks for a Healthier Heart -Medicover Hospitals Marks World Heart Day with 3KM Walkathon
On the occasion of World Heart Day, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, organised a 3KM walkathon to encourage people to take active steps towards better heart health. Held with the message #Don’tMissABeat, the initiative brought together citizens, healthcare professionals and guests to spread awareness about heart disease prevention, physical activity and the importance of recognising cardiac risks early. The event also featured a CPR training and demonstration and a cardiologist-led expert talk, helping participants understand both prevention and the importance of responding quickly during a cardiac emergency.
The walkathon was attended by Actor Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar, who joined as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Adv. Dattatray A. Utekar, World Masters Classic & Equipped Powerlifting Champion 2025 and Air Force veteran, as Guest of Honour. Present on the occasion were Mr. Neeraj Lal, Regional Director, Maharashtra and Karnataka Region, Mr. Sandip Joshi, Centre Head.
Mr. Neeraj Lal, Regional Director, Maharashtra and Karnataka Region, Medicover Hospitals, said, “Every step we take towards a healthier lifestyle matters, and today’s walkathon is a reminder that heart health begins with these everyday choices. We wanted to bring people together around a message that is simple but important which is stay active, be aware of your health, and do not ignore the early signs of risk. With greater awareness and timely action, we can encourage more people to look after their hearts before a serious problem develops.”
A cardiac emergency can occur when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, and in cases of cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can be critical to keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives. CPR awareness was another important focus of the event, as a cardiac emergency can occur without warning and the first few minutes can be crucial. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) involves chest compressions and, when appropriate and trained to do so, rescue breaths to support circulation and breathing. The live CPR demonstration was designed to show participants how timely action can help keep a person alive until professional medical assistance arrives. By taking CPR training to the community, the initiative aimed to encourage more people to become confident in recognising a cardiac emergency and responding rather than simply waiting for an ambulance.
Mr. Sandip Joshi, Centre Head, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, said, “A cardiac emergency can change a family’s life within minutes, and knowing how to respond in those crucial moments can make a real difference. The CPR demonstration was an important part of today’s initiative because it gave participants an opportunity to learn a basic life saving skill that they can carry with them beyond this event. The energy and participation during the walkathon also showed that people are willing to come together for causes that can make a meaningful difference to the health and safety of the community.”
Actor Varsha Usgaonkar said, “We take care of so many things in our lives, but sometimes forget to take care of the heart that keeps us going every single day. Heart health is not only about what we do when we fall ill; it is about the small choices we make every day, like staying active, eating well, managing stress, and giving our health the attention it deserves. I am happy to be part of this initiative because it reminds us that taking care of our heart is also a way of taking care of ourselves and the people who love us. Every step we take towards better health is a step towards a longer and healthier life.”
Advocate. Dattatray A. Utekar, Guest of Honour, said, “Fitness has always been about consistency for me. Whether it is training for a competition or maintaining health over the years, there are no shortcuts. Heart health also needs that same commitment. We need to make movement, discipline, and healthy habits part of everyday life instead of waiting for a warning from our body. I am happy to see such enthusiastic participation in an initiative that reminds us that fitness is an everyday commitment. Making time for physical activity can help us stay stronger, healthier, and more mindful of our heart health.”
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