Movement is Life: Celebrating Bone and Joint Health at STAR ORTHO360 WALKATHON

In a monumental event, Star Hospitals celebrated the largest gathering of joint replacement and orthopaedic post-surgery patients in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at the STAR ORTHO360 WALKATHON 2024. This significant gathering, aimed at raising awareness about bone and joint health, saw participation from over 250 post-surgery patients.
Flagged off by Mr. Kamineni Srinivas Garu, MLA of the Kaikaluru constituency and former Health Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the event featured Star Superspecialists Dr. Veda Prakash, Dr. ShashiKanth, Dr. Praveen Mereddy, and Mr. Bhaskar Reddy, COO of Star Hospitals. The walkathon carried a powerful message: “Movement is life… life is movement.”
The walkathon marked a milestone for Star Hospitals, celebrating over 1,000 successful procedures within just 16 months of its inception, highlighting the hospital's commitment to exceptional orthopaedic care and patient support.
Participants of all ages, including patients, healthcare professionals, and fitness enthusiasts, showcased strong community spirit and a commitment to promoting physical activity. The event addressed the critical issue of physical inactivity, which affects nearly 50% of Indian adults. A recent Lancet study reveals that 57% of women and 42% of men in India do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity—150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
Physical inactivity significantly raises the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that increasing inactivity and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to the global burden of these diseases. Projections indicate that by 2030, 60% of adults will not be sufficiently active.
Older adults, particularly those aged 60 and above, are especially affected by insufficient physical activity. A 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB), published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, estimated that in 2021, 101 million people in India had diabetes, 315 million had hypertension, 254 million were obese, and 185 million had high LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels.
Dr. Gopichand Mannam, Managing Director of Star Hospitals Group, emphasized the importance of personal health responsibility. “Health is an individual responsibility. Each of us must proactively maintain our well-being by staying physically active and making healthy lifestyle choices. By doing so, we can prevent many chronic diseases and improve our quality of life. It is essential to recognize the power we have over our own health and take action accordingly.”
Dr. Shashikanth, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon at Star Hospitals, highlighted the holistic care approach at STAR ORTHO360. "Our focus extends beyond treating bones and joints. Our comprehensive treatment approach aims to restore patients to their normal lives, enabling them to regain mobility and independence. We provide holistic care that addresses not only physical aspects but also the overall well-being of our patients."
The STAR ORTHO360 WALKATHON 2024 was a resounding success, underscoring the importance of physical activity for overall health and well-being. Star Hospitals remain dedicated to promoting bone and joint health through initiatives like these, striving to create a healthier, more active community.
This historic event showcased the hospital's dedication to patient care and community health, emphasizing the critical role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic diseases. Through such events, Star Hospitals continue to lead the way in fostering a culture of health and wellness in the region.