WORLD HEART DAY is observed globally on September 29 every year to promote awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage heart-friendly lifestyles. In 2024, the theme for World Heart Day is “Use Heart, Know Heart.”
Aligning with this year’s theme, MD Year I students from the College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University organized a community engagement activity on November 21, 2024, to educate the health professional students about heart health, disease prevention, and the importance of early detection and healthy habits.
The students worked in teams under the supervision of Dr. Marwa Mady, Prof. Dr. Faten Diab, and other faculty members from the College of Medicine and organized innovative activities to engage the community in learning about heart health.
The event underscored the increasing global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and emphasized practical, effective prevention strategies such as regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress. Students also highlighted the importance of routine medical check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart health. The program aligns with international initiatives promoting enhanced physical activity, healthier dietary habits, and community-wide awareness of heart health.
Dr. Sony Mathew, a renowned cardiologist from Thumbay University Hospital, shared his expertise and valuable insights on the topic.
During the event, medical students organized interactive workshops, poster presentations, and heart-healthy cooking demonstrations aimed at inspiring participants to adopt heart-friendly behaviors. The objectives of these activities were to raise awareness by educating the community about the causes, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine health check-ups, and highlight the risks associated with smoking, obesity, and stress on heart health. Additionally, the program sought to address common myths about heart disease and its prevention while fostering a sense of responsibility among participants, motivating them to take proactive steps for their own heart health and advocate for the well-being of others.
The event featured several highlights designed to educate and engage participants in heart health. Interactive educational games, such as “Heart Health Trivia” and “Build a Healthy Plate,” provided a fun and engaging way for attendees to learn about cardiovascular wellness. Workshops focused on stress management techniques, including yoga and mindfulness to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Health check stations offered free blood pressure and BMI screenings, promoting early detection and preventive care. Additionally, cooking demonstrations showcased easy-to-prepare, heart-healthy recipes, emphasizing the importance of nutritious eating in maintaining a healthy heart.
The event was well-received by attendees, with 95% of participants reporting that the activities were engaging and educational and 98% of respondents indicating that the event helped them better understand the importance of heart health.
Dr. Sony Mathew remarked, saying, “World Heart Day is a crucial opportunity for students to engage with the community and spread awareness about heart health. Initiatives like this empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.”
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability is an integral part of GMU’s vision and mission, and I believe that the University should serve the immediate community in which it exists”, reflected Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine, who is also the Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee of Gulf Medical University.
For more pictures: [View Gallery]