Burgas: World Heart Day with Free Checkups and Prevention

On Monday, September 29, Burgas will focus on prevention and health, marking World Heart Day with a large-scale, two-phase program. The initiatives culminate with the final of the municipal summer campaign "Health Hour by the Sea" and a widely accessible health information campaign targeting the entire population of the coastal city.

Children's Initiative at the Pantheon: Learning Through Play

In the morning, from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the final stage of the summer initiative, focused on adolescents, will take place at the landmark location, the Pantheon. Over 120 third-grade children from Primary School "Anton Strashimirov" will participate in this final health hour.

To ensure lasting knowledge acquisition, the topic of heart health will be presented in an extremely accessible and interactive way, organized by actors from the theatre school "Talantino". Besides reinforcing the rules for basic first aid, children will also engage in creative activities – they will draw based on the health theme presented, dance, and have fun while learning life-saving material.

Dr. Stamen Pishev, Chairman of the "Young Doctors" Association, and Dr. Diyan Gospodinov, who is the Executive Director of the same association, will actively participate in the discussions with the youngsters. Both specialists are cardiologist physicians and will ensure the expert level of the heart health discussions.

This concluding part follows the successful implementation of the initiative between April and August, which covered over 500 children and adolescents. During the summer health hours, various current topics were covered, related both to general health and to specific challenges such as summer allergies, prevention of water-related injuries and basic first aid, protection against sunburn, and hepatitis prophylaxis.

Widely Accessible Campaign at Mall Galleria

The Health Day continues into its second phase, which targets the general public. From 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, the municipal health information campaign called "With Love for My Heart!" will take place at Mall Galleria – Burgas. Residents and guests of Burgas will have the opportunity to take advantage of free screenings and measurements.

Basic indicators such as blood pressure and blood sugar can be measured on site. Furthermore, using a body fat analyzer, visitors will receive detailed information about their body fat ratio, Body Mass Index (BMI), and measured kilocalories – key factors for assessing metabolic and cardiac health.

Consultations from Leading Specialists

Consultations will be provided by a team of highly qualified specialists ready to answer questions and give personalized advice. Among the cardiologist physicians providing consultation are Dr. Stamen Pishev and Dr. Diyan Gospodinov. They are joined by Dr. Dilyana Stoyanova – endocrinology specialist, Dr. Verzhinia Georgieva – general practitioner (GP), and Dr. Pavel Minev – specialist in diagnostic imaging.

The experts will answer questions regarding prevention, the need for lifestyle changes, and the specific consequences that harmful habits have on our health. Particular attention will be paid to weight reduction in children and adults, placing it in the context of the prevention and treatment of obesity – one of the most serious and widespread risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

To ensure a comprehensive approach to a healthy lifestyle, a coach and fitness instructor from Finesse Central Park - Fitness & Spa Club will provide their professional recommendations and advice. They will focus on physical exercises, systematic physical activity, the effectiveness of fitness training, and the importance of balanced nutrition for achieving optimal health.

An art workshop is planned for the youngest residents of the city, where, using a special template, every child will be able to create and draw a heart carrying their own message.

Prevention as a Main Priority

Specialists agree that for the heart to be healthy and happy, systematic efforts are necessary to improve the quality of life: this includes reducing stress and stressful situations, a fundamental change in diet, exercise and systematic physical activity, as well as regular prophylaxis.

The overall goal of all planned activities is precisely the prevention of cardiovascular diseases among the population, focusing on improving heart health and quality of life through physical activity, stress reduction, a balanced diet, and constant prophylaxis.