Adopting healthy lifestyles
saves lives and money by preventing heart diseases, Karen Hospital has reminded Kenyans
following its heart run on Saturday.
Dr Dan Gikonyo, who is Heart to Heart Foundation trustee,
noted
the cost of heart operations ranges from Sh350,000 to Sh1.3million.
"It is still expensive for many families ... the best remedy is to adopt healthy lifestyles," he said at Uhuru Gardens where thousands gathered to participate in the race.
The doctor advised against smoking, noting it remains one of the main causes of many heart diseases.
He asked the public to drop this and other risky habits, exercise and eat healthy foods.
At least 10,000 participants registered for the 25th edition of the run.
Last year, over Sh10 million was raised and 12 people helped.
Overall, more than 450 people have benefited from open heart surgeries, Gikonyo reported.
Read:
Nairobians participate in the Karen Hospital Heart Run which began at Uhuru Gardens, March 17, 2018. /COURTESY
Nairobi County Health Executive Dr Hitan Majevda noted that the World Health Organization has listed heart diseases among the most common killers across the world.
"Heart diseases are mostly lifestyles diseases. We need to remain vigilant ... running is one of the ways we can remain healthy. We should also avoid fatty, fried and salty foods,” he said.
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Majevda lauded the hospital for assisting children from less privileged families.
He stressed the importance of increasing awareness on rheumatic heart disease which is 100 per cent preventable.
“Prevention also goes a long way in saving costs associated with treating heart diseases," he said.