Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Sep 29: On the occasion of World Heart Day, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, organised a training program on heart health and emergency care for district journalists at Udupi Press Club on September 29. The session, covering Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), was held under the aegis of the Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association.

Speaking at the event, Dr Monica J, cardiologist at Kasturba Hospital, said that smoking, genetic factors, and stress are the main causes of rising heart attacks among the younger generation. She added that viruses, including coronavirus, can also affect the heart, clarifying that there is no evidence to suggest COVID-19 vaccination causes heart attacks.

This year’s World Heart Day theme is ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’ Dr Monica urged annual heart check-ups and recommended at least one hour of daily physical activity. She highlighted walking as particularly beneficial, noting its role in reducing stress.

Emergency medicine consultant Dr Akash Kallur and his team conducted hands-on BLS and CPR training, emphasising the critical importance of immediate response in medical emergencies such as heart attacks, road accidents, and strokes.

Mohan Shetty, manager, sales and marketing, Kasturba Hospital, said the hospital is conducting similar training sessions for police personnel, ambulance drivers, fire service staff, and MESCOM employees as part of World Heart Day initiatives.

As part of the program, journalists were offered free blood pressure checks, blood tests, and ECG screenings.

The event was compered by secretary Raheem Ujire and attended by Udupi District Working Journalists’ Association president Rajesh Shetty Alevoor, general secretary Nazeer Polya, and treasurer Umesh Marpalli.