The World Heart Day Hike, held on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, around Dominica’s breathtaking Freshwater Lake, was a resounding success. The event drew 90 eager participants, with 80 actively hiking the scenic trail, all united by the goal of promoting cardiovascular health and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
World Heart Day is a global initiative launched by the World Heart Federation in 1999. It aims to bring attention to heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death worldwide. The day serves as a powerful reminder of the steps we can all take to protect our hearts through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine health checks. Here in Dominica, the hike served as a local manifestation of this worldwide movement to prevent cardiovascular disease and promote heart health. We are ecstatic to have had Dominica join the world for the first time to recognise this day officially.
The day began with a warm-up session at Dame Eugenia Blvd in Roseau, where participants gathered before heading to Laudat for the hike. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, as various groups took part in the event, including The Doctors, The Medical Students, The Police, The Cadettes, The Dwivayez Hikers, DHL, The National Bank, and others. It was truly a community affair, with individuals from all walks of life coming together to support this important cause.
After a scenic and invigorating hike around the Freshwater Lake, many hikers took advantage of the outdoor activities available at the lake, including kayaking, making the day not only heart-healthy but also fun and adventurous. Refreshments were provided to keep the hikers energized, and to add to the excitement, eight lucky participants received prizes, compliments of the event’s generous sponsors. The grand prize was awarded to Natoya Newton, adding a delightful conclusion to an already rewarding day.
One satisfied participant summed up the experience perfectly, saying, “It felt like a fun day with family,” reflecting the warm, inclusive spirit of the event.
Special thanks are extended to Ibrahim Brohim, Ria Alexander, and Fr. Elton Letang, whose invaluable contributions helped make the day a success. A heartfelt acknowledgment also goes to Dr. Martha Augustus, Allan Attidore, Davidson Andrew, and Ezra Andrew, who shared the vision and worked with fervor to bring it to life. And of course, we are deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose contributions were vital to making this event possible.
As participants departed, many expressed their enthusiasm for World Heart Day 2025, vowing to make it an even bigger and better event. The success of this year’s hike demonstrates how community spirit and dedication can come together to support a healthier, heart-smart Dominica.
We look forward to seeing everyone next year as we continue to promote cardiovascular wellness in our beautiful country!
By: Rachel Andrew MD. Consultant Cardiologist
