The benefits of physical activity and a balanced diet

The national event Parcours du Cœur made a stop on the beaches of Mourillon at the Anse du Lido. This event, free and open to all, is co-organized by the Association de Cardiologie de Côte d’Azur, the Clubs Cœur et Santé de Hyères-Toulon et Ouest Varois, the mairie de Toulon, and the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Toulon-La Seyne-sur- Mer (hôpital Sainte-Musse). Held under the auspices of the Fédération Française de Cardiologie, this day aimed to inform the public about the benefits of regular physical activity and a balanced diet to preserve cardiovascular health.

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE

These prevention actions address a concerning health situation, as evidenced by the latest data from Santé Publique. In France, nearly one in two adults is overweight or obese, 17 million people have high blood pressure, and 3.5 million are treated for diabetes. Furthermore, 27.4% of adults are daily smokers and nearly 40% do not meet physical activity recommendations, a figure that climbs to 47.3% among women. The rise in sedentary behavior and obesity among children is also considered particularly worrying by health authorities. The objective of this day is therefore to give the public the keys to act against these risk factors. Many healthcare professionals were mobilized to run information and screening booths. The public was able to obtain information on the main risk factors (tobacco, diabetes, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle), but also on related topics such as organ donation and blood donation. Free workshops made it possible to measure blood pressure, blood sugar levels, calculate body mass index (BMI), or test tobacco dependence levels. A special emphasis was placed on education and training with demonstrations of life-saving techniques throughout the day and an introduction to CPR on manikins and the use of a defibrillator. To combine practice with theory, a wide range of sports and fun activities was offered upon registration on the day itself. Participants of all ages were able to try hiking, longe-côte, health rugby, tai chi chuan, tango, Tahitian dance, or paddleboarding and kayaking. Specific courses and games were dedicated to children, such as the Game of the Goose or the smoothie bike. The Clubs Cœur et Santé also presented their phase III cardiac rehabilitation programs, intended as much for cardiac patients to prevent recurrence as for non-cardiac individuals wishing to maintain their fitness as primary prevention.

PLEASE NOTE...

For more information on prevention, the federation's website is available at www.fedecardio.org.