Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Lifestyle Editor
The country’s largest private medical aid society, health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group, says preparations for the ‘Pedal to Wellness’ cycling event to boost heart health are on course.
Set for September 27, the third edition of the cycling event, is dedicated to promoting cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyles.
This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”.
The theme aligns with the upcoming annual World Heart Day observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about heart health and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at the company’s Borrowdale Office Park, Cimas chief executive officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu, said Pedal to Wellness is part of their broader commitment under their iGo wellness programmes to inspire healthier communities.
“We host our annual Pedal to Wellness event as part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” said Mr Ndlovu.
“As we believe that a healthy nation benefits us all, through our Pedal to Wellness event, we are not only encouraging participants to engage in physical activity, but also highlighting the critical role that cardiovascular fitness also known as cardiorespiratory fitness plays in overall health and well-being.”
The cycling event features three cycling distances, 45km, 22.5 km for adults and 4.5km for children.
All participants will be timed using a modern electronic timing system integrated into their race bibs for accurate race tracking and will receive a finishers’ medal.
Mr Ndlovu said the online registration opened last week.
“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or a fitness or wellness enthusiast,we invite everyone including corporate organisations to register and take part in Pedal to Wellness which provides numerous health benefits,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day. All participants are also required to sign indemnity forms with those not covered under medical aid being required to sign a waiver to participate.”
The World Health Organisation says cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, are the leading cause of death globally, killing an estimated 17.9 million each year. It is estimated that around 1 in 12 people globally are living with a heart or circulatory disease.
“Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart is the size of a fist and is the strongest muscle in the body. However, it can become vulnerable from behavioural risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, cholesterol, unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure,” Mr Ndlovu said.
“Maintaining a healthy heart and an active lifestyle carries substantial health benefits. Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, and making healthy choices in nutrition, activity and lifestyle.”
Mr Ndlovu encouraged communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritise their heart health through regular physical activity, such as cycling as it strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“Pedal to Wellness is not just about fitness; it is about building lifelong habits that contribute to better health outcomes. As we continue living our purpose, to inspire healthier communities, I invite everyone to join the exciting Pedal to Wellness and take a step towards a healthier future. Together, we can promote heart health and encourage active living for all,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling also offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport, adding that to fully realise these benefits, Harare City Council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road.
This year’s event aims to bring together 500 cyclists, adults and children and Mr Ndlovu is confident it will be bigger and better, surpassing last year’s edition, which drew over 300 cyclists.
