Shimla, October 8, 2026: Students of the School of Allied & Healthcare Sciences at Shimla University (APG) highlighted the importance of cardiovascular health and shared practical ways to prevent heart attacks during ‘Cardio Connect 2026’, organised by the Department of Cardiovascular Technology at the Alakh Auditorium on Thursday.
Based on the theme “Cardiovascular Health – Don’t Miss a Beat,” the programme was led by Dean, School of Allied & Healthcare Sciences, Prof. (Dr.) Tina Sharma.Students of the School of Allied & Healthcare Sciences delivered engaging presentations, models and short skits focusing on heart health. Through simple and informative presentations, they explained why heart attacks occur, the early warning signs, and the immediate steps that should be taken during an emergency.
The students also highlighted the health risks associated with changing lifestyles and urged people to stay away from junk food, substance abuse and excessive mental stress. They encouraged everyone to practise yoga regularly, participate in sports and physical activities, consume a balanced diet on time, get adequate sleep and maintain a positive outlook towards life.
Addressing the students and participants, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Sharma and Dean, Faculty, Prof. (Dr.) Ashwani Sharma emphasised that awareness about health is the first step towards preventing cardiovascular diseases. They stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy routine and adopting dietary habits that support heart health.
They encouraged students to make yoga and physical activity a part of their daily lives, stay away from substance abuse and motivate others to adopt healthier lifestyles. They further highlighted that heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and greater awareness along with small but consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce premature deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases.
The Vice Chancellor and Dean, Faculty, also appreciated the students for their innovative models, demonstrations and short plays highlighting heart attack prevention, cardiovascular health awareness and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean, School of Allied & Healthcare Sciences, Prof. (Dr.) Tina Sharma, said that the primary objective of the programme was to provide students with practical learning experiences while creating greater awareness about heart health among society.
She said, “Don’t Miss a Beat” reminds everyone to value every heartbeat and take proactive steps to protect their heart. Small changes in daily routines, combined with healthy eating habits, can help prevent several heart-related diseases at an early stage.
Prof. (Dr.) Tina Sharma further highlighted the significance of World Heart Day, observed every year on September 29 as an international campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases. She said the campaign brings people together globally to take action against heart disease and promote healthier lifestyles.
She added that the 2026 World Heart Day theme is “Use Heart for Action,” with the special campaign message “Don’t Miss a Beat.” The campaign encourages people to remain alert to hidden signs and risks associated with cardiovascular diseases while also encouraging governments and institutions to strengthen health policies and systems.
As part of the programme, students who presented heart-health-related posters and models were felicitated with medals and certificates. In the Poster Making Competition, Anshika, a first-semester student, secured the first position, while Sakshi and Shraddha, also from the first semester, secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Faculty members of the School of Allied & Healthcare Sciences, heads of various departments, teachers and a large number of students attended the programme.
The event concluded with a collective appeal to the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle, stay physically active, remain aware of cardiovascular risk factors and take better care of their hearts.
