ISLAMABAD: Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are key risk factors for the major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Major causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and use of alcohol, said Consultant Cardiologist at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) Dr Asad Ali Saleem, while addressing to participants of hiking organised by Shifa International Hospital on the capital’s famous Trail 3 in connection with the World Heart Day. 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 heart patients and awareness quotes. Sanaullah Aman, the Capital Development Authority executive director general, was the chief guest of the event. He said that we should seriously think about what we can do to keep ourselves and our family safe, healthy and well. “Each and every one of us are the most valuable resource of this our beloved country,” he said. He said that public awareness was very important for timely diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. He added that most of heart-related diseases could be successfully treated and complications can be avoided. “We need to join hands with public, general physicians and policy makers in our efforts to promote health education especially related to heart diseases in Pakistan,” he said. He thanked the media for supporting the cause and helping Shifa in raising awareness about the issues. SIH Chief Operating Officer Aziz A Jan said that the objective behind arranging a hiking trip to mark World Heart Day was to educate people about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its prevention and control. He advised the participants to adopt the habit of routine physical activities like walking and physical exertion for maintaining their health and for reducing chances of disease, disability and premature mortality due to heart diseases. Published in Daily Times, September 25th 2017.