On September 27, 2026, over 100 employees of La Sentinelle, a Mauritian media group, participated in a 1.7km walk at Vallée d'Osterlog to raise awareness about heart health and support the Mauritius Heart Foundation (MHF). The event was part of the Santé du Cœur campaign, just three days before World Heart Day. The walk aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage people to take preventive measures against heart diseases.
The event required several weeks of preparation, involving a team led by Shirley Bourbon, Marketing Manager at La Sentinelle, and her team, who worked closely with the MHF, park staff, and Quick Response paramedics. Before the walk, Nad Sivaramen, Director of Publications at La Sentinelle, expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the event possible. He then introduced Dr. Sunil Gunness, a cardiac surgeon and member of the MHF, who emphasized the importance of the event.
Dr. Gunness highlighted that heart disease is often linked to lifestyle choices, such as diet, physical activity, and stress levels. He stressed that simple actions like walking can be a preventive measure against heart diseases. The doctor also shared a recent experience where his team had to perform emergency surgery on a patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest, underscoring the need for awareness and preventive measures.
The walk took place in the scenic Vallée d'Osterlog, which is managed by the National Parks and Conservation Service and is home to various endemic species, including tortoises and pink pigeons. Park Ranger Denis Léonce welcomed the participants, emphasizing the site's conservation efforts. Along the route, several doctors and a nurse were present to answer questions and provide support.
Quick Response, a paramedic service, also participated in the event, promoting their first-aid training programs and emphasizing the importance of healthy eating habits. Lokesh Bajnathsingh, Vice-President of Quick Response, encouraged participants to make small changes to their daily routines, such as taking a walk during lunch breaks.
The event also featured a stall by Enchanted Exquisite Gifting, a local business offering gift boxes made from local products. Nad Sivaramen announced that La Sentinelle plans to collaborate with Dr. Gunness to make the event a monthly occurrence, aiming to spread awareness about heart health throughout the year.
The walk was well-received by participants, including many young people, who were encouraged to become ambassadors for the heart health message. Dr. Gunness expressed his satisfaction with the event, describing it as a successful and enjoyable experience that helped raise awareness about heart health in a relaxed and conversational setting.
Key points
- La Sentinelle's initiative aims to promote heart health awareness and support the Mauritius Heart Foundation through regular events.
