Approximately 800 male and female participants gathered along the waterfront at Dammam Corniche recently to take part in a 60 minute walking tour on the occasion of the World Walking Day, which coincided with World Heart Day.
According to statistics, 65 percent of diabetics in the Kingdom die from heart disease 15 years earlier than patients with similar diabetic conditions in both America and Europe. This is believed to be the result of differences in health education, ongoing follow-up and the impact of early detection of the disease, according to Basem Fota, chairperson of the education and nutrition department in the Saudi Society for Diabetes and Endocrinology.
"The society has adopted the Walking for Health Program due to the Sweet Smiles Club's support to citizens and residents in Dammam Corniche," said Abdul Aziz Al-Turki, chairperson of the society at large.
The event includes conducting tests for the measuring blood sugar, blood pressure, and body mass, providing health instructions, and practicing collective walking for 60 minutes, said Kamel Salama, the secretary-general of the society.
He said that the tests can detect many Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cases, as well as some obesity and osteoporosis cases, advising all people to visit the specialized clinics.
Salama said that the event aimed to create a healthy environment, and to increase awareness of the importance of exercising daily for its positive impact on body strength and vitality, thus reducing the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases, in addition to burning calories on a regular basis.
He said that daily walking also helps to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, as well as strengthen bones, the immune system and lungs. Importantly, he added that walking daily can also significantly reduce stress.
