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Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Celebrates the World Heart Day from 27 September - 5 October 2009 |
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Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) managed by Cleveland Clinic in corporation with Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA and Abu Dhabi Police will participate in the World Heart Day, an international event celebrated by 186 medical societies in over 100 countries from 27 September - 5 October, 2009. The World Heart Day urges people to "Work with Heart" by encouraging them to take care of their heart during the work and to visit their healthcare professionals. SKMC is owned and operated by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. SKMC strongly supports health promotion and awareness events and participates in many international health awareness campaigns throughout the year. SKMC plays an active role in the community by promoting health awareness about diseases and disease prevention such as cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death in UAE and comprise 29.2% of total global deaths. The major cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (strokes), hypertension, heart failure and rheumatic heart disease. World Heart Day is aimed at increasing public awareness and promoting preventive measures to reduce the worldwide incidence of heart disease and stroke. Each year, it is focused on a specific theme and involves a wide range of activities including health checks, walks, runs, jump rope, fitness sessions, public talks, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts, sports tournaments and much more. It is globally covered by the media and reaches the public in more than 100 countries on all continents. Commenting on the World Heart Day, Dr. Scott Strong, CEO of SKMC, stated that "Our objective for annually participating in the World Heart Day is to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular health checks related to cardiovascular disease and other associated diseases. We want to encourage the public to exercise often and eat healthier as well as realize the many benefits of living a healthy lifestyle". Dr. Strong thanked SKMC staff for organizing the event activities and the sponsors for their cooperation and support. "SKMC is committed to promoting health awareness among the public", Dr. Strong said. Additionally, Dr. Norbert Augustin, MD., Chair, SKMC Cardiac Sciences Institute stated that "SKMC Cardiac Sciences Institute is willing to continuously participate in Heart-related campaigns, symposiums and activities. It is our mission with the cooperation of our Health Promotion to increase the awareness of the public about the Heart in addition to providing advanced cardiac services that meets internationally recognized standards of excellence to the residents of the UAE". He added "The establishment of the Cardiac Sciences Institute at SKMC for Adults and Pediatrics has reduced the medical requirement for overseas travel, as it provides comparable cardiac services to all UAE residents, and provides family members an opportunity to participate in the wellness process before, during, and after surgery. Health statistics show that the family is a vital part of the healing process and SKMC is happy to provide this service within the community. SKMC is committed continuous improvement of care to ultimately improve the health of the whole UAE population". On the other hand, Dr Wael Al Mahameed, Head of Cardiology Department commented on the upcoming planned cardiovascular symposium. He said "SKMC Cardiac Sciences Institute is willing to continuously organize Cardiovascular-related conferences, symposiums and activities. Dr Mahameed noted that therefore, and on the occasion of the World Heart Day, "we are planning for a cardiovascular symposium on Saturday, 3rd of October 2009 in the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) auditorium. The symposium will highlight the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. It is our department mission to encourage and promote scientific and medical education programs in addition to providing advanced cardiac services at SKMC that meets internationally recognized standards of excellence to the residents of the UAE." |
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