Hospital da Luz Clínica Vila Franca de Xira was for the first time a partner in Corrida das Lezírias , which took place last Sunday, March 1, with a record participation of 3,200 athletes. Beyond promoting free health screenings, Hospital da Luz had 40 of its collaborators participating in the sport events, handing over five euros per kilometre to Mithós, a local support institution for people with disabilities, thus receiving a total donation of 1,500 euros. This was the 31 st edition of Corrida das Lezírias, comprising a 15.5 km-running, a 5 km-mini-running, and events for children, all of them starting at Cevadeiro Urban Park. In the main event, the winners were João Alegria, from S. João da Madeira Camping Club, with 50m 03s, and Ana Machado, from União Atlético Povoense, with 1h 04m. The Vila Franca de Xira Municipality also promoted a solidary action during the competition, collecting food and hygiene products for the populations affected by February’s harsh weather in the neighbouring district of Arruda dos Vinhos. In parallel with the sports participation, the Hospital da Luz Clínica provided free health indicator screenings, at the Multipurpose Pavilion, when the registered athletes got their dorsals . The screenings consisted in the evaluation of health parameters, such as blood pressure, glycemia, weight, and body mass index. “In these screenings, we always detect people with high blood pressure or high blood sugar that have to be controlled and intervened in good time”, reports Joana Woss, the clinic’s operational manager. “We want people to reach to us before getting ill. Health should not be solely a response to installed disease”, she adverts, reminding that regular follow-up with the family doctor can reduce costs significantly as well as pressure on the health system. Hospital da Luz thanks the organization for the opportunity to take part in one of the most notable events in the region. As declared by Pedro Jerónimo Sousa , the clinical director of Hospital da Luz Clínica Vila Franca de Xira, the support to Corrida das Lezírias has had precisely for purpose “the support to the population and motivating healthy life habits”. “ Physical exercise breathes life, offering a longer and better life ”, he stressed. Corrida das Lezírias is a significant means of promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Whenever the community needs, Hospital da Luz is present!
