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Muscat, Oman, 26 September 2012 – Muscat City Centre and City Centre Qurum are joining together with Oman government and health authorities to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s leading cause of death. In recognition of World Heart Day on September 29th, the malls are empowering community members with information about the disease that claims over 17.3 million lives globally and health screenings to encourage people to proactively take charge of their health.

Muscat City Centre is working with Sultan Qaboos University, College of Nursing – Department of Adult Health and Critical Care to champion the campaign theme “Your Heart is Your Life” by running complimentary tests that measure primary risk factors of CVD – including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Educational sessions will also be given about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, with trivia contests conducted three times a day to test participants on heart health with Gift Vouchers to the mall as rewards.

The screening and seminars will be conducted on September 28th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. People who are tested and are identified as at-risk will also receive a referral letter so that they can seek follow-up care and make immediate health changes.

“We encourage all members of the community to come to the mall this World Heart Day to learn about heart disease and stroke and take part in the free health screenings,” said Husam bin Mohammed Al Mandhari, Senior Mall Manager, Muscat City Centre. “The disease is so widespread that no one is immune to encountering it. We are pleased to be combining tests with education in order for people to take charge of their heart health and prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease.”

City Centre Qurum is partnering with the Ministry of Health to host two-days of testing on September 28th and 29th and to spread awareness about the “Basic Life Support Program.” Tests include blood sugar screening and blood pressure and body mass index measurement.

“We are pleased to be hosting health screenings for members of the community to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and encourage a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Watfa Humaid Al Harthy, Senior Mall Manager, City Centre Qurum . “Our partnership with the Ministry of Health (Directorate General of health affairs, Muscat region) underscores the importance of the campaign and the impact this disease has on everyone’s lives.”

Across Muscat City Centre and City Centre Qurum the World Heart Day campaign will raise awareness of CVD and encourage residents in the community to make positive lifestyle changes. Both malls will also be running an awareness campaign on Facebook to encourage people to learn about the disease and its three main risk factors: tobacco, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Muscat City Centre will also run dedicated Twitter and Facebook competitions, rewarding winning participants with Gift Cards to the mall.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/QurumCityCentre.