More than 16,000 people participate in the Aster initiative to promote heart health

The initiative, which began on World Heart Day, lasted a month. During this period, people were encouraged to register online and commit to walking a minimum of 10,000 steps per day. For every 10,000 steps taken by a person in a day, Aster DM Foundation donated Rs 100, thereby contributing to the cause of saving children’s lives.

The Heart2Heart Cares 2023 campaign wasn’t just limited to walking: participants participated in fitness programs, including walking 10,000 steps, cycling 10 km (in 90 minutes), and burning 400 calories (in 90 minutes) during the campaign Heart2Heart Cares, which lasted a month.

Alisha Moopen, Deputy CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, said: “Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives each year. A significant proportion of these can be prevented or delayed if people adopt early intervention such as lifestyle management, diet, exercise and appropriate care. On the other hand, heart diseases or defects can be congenital in nature, that is, present from birth. In India alone, it is estimated that more than 200,000 children are born with congenital heart diseases every year and not all families can afford proper treatment which can lead to loss of life.

“Under Aster Volunteers, we decided to network this cause, allowing people to make a proactive effort to regain their fitness and be even more motivated as their effort would help save lives. We are overwhelmed by the response to Aster Volunteers ‘Heart2Heart Cares 2023’ initiative received this year with xxxx people signing up to support the cause that will now impact the lives of 50 underprivileged children in need of life-saving heart surgery.”