Mumbai: 'Little Hearts Marathon' organised to spread awareness about lifestyle-related diseases

New Delhi [India], Feb. 12 (ANI): With a motive to spread awareness about various lifestyle-related diseases, a special marathon called, 'Little Hearts Marathon' was organised by Wadia hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra on Sunday. To stimulate and magnify the awareness for prevention of cardiac diseases and to support the cardiac surgery program in children, this marathon will support holistically the cardiac care of the future assets of nation. The marathon aims to engage the community to participate in a healthy and fun event, which will help raise the much-needed funds for helping the cardiac surgeries at the Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children (BJWHC) and in return reduce the costs. It is a great step towards reduction of neonatal mortality and infant mortality. The marathon, which has been organised for fourth consecutive year this time, was attended by more than 10,000 students from across the city. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's wife along with entrepreneur Ness Wadia was present at the occasion. Appreciating the initiative, Amrita Fadnavis said such a move would help the young kids understand the importance of exercise and keeping healthy in life. She said, "The kind of lifestyle which the kids are adapting these makes them prone to heart diseases and diabetes, the event is a great way to spread awareness among the children". She further stated that the unhealthy lifestyles that lead to cardiovascular disease often begin in childhood and adolescence, so that prevention of heart disease must begin here. Organisor of the marathon, Ness Wadia said that the focus of this run is to raise awareness for the little kids who are suffering from severe heart diseases. "Kids from all age groups have joined this marathon and are extremely glad to participate in the run with faces gleaming with joy," he said. He stated that the need of the hour is to promote healthy diets and physical activity amongst the new generation and provide a second chance to children who are already suffering from heart diseases.(ANI)