The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today organised a mega walkathon event- "Walk for Health in New Delhi on the occasion of International Women's Day.<br />'' <br />'' The walk started from Vijay Chowk and culminated at Nirman Bhawan. Enthusiastic participants, walking for a better health, participated with great fervour and in huge numbers.<br />'' <br />'' More than 500 people participated in the event and pledged to adopt healthy and active living to prevent and control lifestyle health-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, mental illness and cancer.<br />'' <br />'' A cycling event was also organised today at district headquarters across the country to promote physical and mental well-being and environment-friendly conveyance. The event called Cyclathon was organised under the theme of 'Healthy Women Healthy India'.<br />'' <br />'' Following the vision of  Prime Minister  Narendra Modi for a fit India, the walkathon and similar events aim to bring behavioural changes among citizens and spread awareness about a more physically active lifestyle.<br />'' <br />'' Taking such initiatives forward, Union Health Minister Dr.Mansukh Mandaviya who is also known as a "Green MP" for his enthusiasm for cycling, has been promoting physical activity for health and fitness.<br />'' <br />'' It is known that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are accounting for more than 63 percent of death in the country and are strongly associated and causally linked with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, insufficient physical activity and air pollution.<br />'' <br />''The health benefits of physical activity is not only related to lower risk of NCDs but also has positive effects on mental health, delays the onset of dementia and also promote wellbeing.