ISLAMABAD: The Shifa International Hospital organised a hiking trip on Sunday in connection with the World Health Day to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and boost the mental and physical health of the general public. A large number of doctors, Shifa employees, citizens and their families and university students participated in the event. The participants were holding placards and banners inscribed with encouraging slogans for good health and awareness quotes. On this occasion Shifa also launched the Shifa Hiking Club. The Chief Executive Officer (SIH), Dr. Manzoorul Haq Qazi, advised the participants to adopt the habit of a routine walk and exercise for maintaining good health because it lowers the risk of heart disease and improves the blood pressure and blood sugar levels. He also said that hiking was arranged to give masses a message that only physical and healthy activities could lead them to a better and productive life. While addressing the gathering, the Chief Operating Officer (SIH), Aziz A Jan briefed the participants about the importance of creating health awareness through such healthy activities. He appealed to the media to support this noble cause of propagating awareness about healthy living through their active support. Doctors recommended the participants to achieve energy balance and a healthy weight, limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption from saturated fats to unsaturated fats. They stressed that people should regularly exercise and eat healthy food to live a good life and avoid medical complications. Hiking participants appreciated the Shifa International Hospital and its management team for taking an initiative in this noble cause of public awareness by organising this hiking. They also thanked the administrations of Shifa for organising such a successful event.