SKMC celebrates the World Heart Day on September 27th - 28th 2007

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 promoting health awareness about diseases and disease prevention such as cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death in UAE and make around 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 incidence of heart disease and stroke worldwide. 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 covered by the media globally and reaches the public in more than 100 countries on all continents.

Commenting on the World Heart Day, Dr. Kenneth Ouriel, M.D., CEO of SKMC, stated that

"SKMC is participating in World Heart Day this year and several activities have been planned for it. Our objective is to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other related diseases. We want to encourage the public to exercise often and eat healthier and to realize the many benefits of living a healthy lifestyle."

Dr. Ouriel thanked the SKMC staff for organizing the event activities and the sponsors for their cooperation and support. "We are committed to promoting health awareness among the public and SKMC will participate in several coming events in support of international health awareness campaigns such as 'Breast Cancer Month' at the end of October", Dr. Ouriel said.

Additionally, Dr. Norbert Augustin, MD., Chair, SKMC Department of Cardiac Sciences and Head, SKMC Division of Adult Cardiac Surgery, stated that "SKMC Cardiac Sciences Division is willing to continuously participate in Heart-related campaigns, symposiums and activities. It is our mission with the cooperation of our Health Education and Promotion Department 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 Department 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".

SKMC World Heart Day Activities:

1. 27 - 28 September 2007
An educational booth and display for the public will be set up at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi from 08:00 pm - 12:00 midnight on Thursday the 27th of September and Friday, the 28th.
Free weight, height, Glucose, blood pressure and Cholesterol check ups will be offered at the health awareness booth and visitors may also collect information about SKMC Cardiac Sciences Services, Heart diseases and other health related topics such as nutrition and fitness. Moreover, a Quit Smoking Clinic will be available at the booth with the cooperation of the Preventive Medicine Department.

2. 05 October 2007
SKMC with the cooperation of the Islamic Affairs Authority organizes a presentation and discussion panel for the public about Cardiovascular Diseases with religious highlights in the Theatre of the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi on Friday, 05 October 2007. The doors will open at 09:30 pm. The spokespersons would include a team of cardiologists from SKMC and an Islamic figure.

3. 27 October 2007
A medical symposium under the title of (Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Symposium) is organized by the Department of Cardiac Sciences and will target the clinicians and health care providers. The talks will be given by SKMC Consultant Cardiologists.