WiRED International Observes World Heart Day

BY OLIVIA SPIRITO; EDITED BY BERNICE BORN

On September 29 the World Heart Federation is sponsoring World Heart Day, created to call attention to cardiovascular health and to inspire people to adopt heart-healthy behaviors. The recommendations spotlighted are designed to reduce the threats of cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

 

This year’s theme is “My Heart, Your Heart,” which conveys the message not only to look after your own heart health but also to look after the heart health of your loved ones and friends. The theme encourages everyone to make a promise to live a healthier and happier life.

 


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What does it mean to live a more well-rounded, healthier life? It means staying active, eating a healthy diet and saying no to any form of smoking. Being active may include running, biking, walking, hiking or dancing; almost any activity that gets people moving and out of a chair. Diet and exercise are significant factors related to someone’s risk for heart problems.

 

Nearly 50 percent of deaths from non-communicable diseases are caused by cardiovascular diseases, which doctors confirm can often be prevented.
— World Heart Federation

World Heart Day brings together populations around the globe to fight against the same common concern: cardiovascular diseases. These include primarily heart attacks and strokes. Nearly 50 percent of deaths from non-communicable diseases are caused by cardiovascular diseases, which doctors confirm can often be prevented.

 

For more information on heart health topics, WiRED International offers a Heart Diseases Module, a Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Training Series and a RHD Animation Video. On this World Heart Day, WiRED encourages people to find out how they can make changes in their daily lifestyle which will impact their health for a lifetime.

 

 

Maintaining a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

 

  1. Schedule a visit with your doctor. Talk with your doctor to identify your risk factors for heart disease and take measures to control them.
  2. Use more herbs and spices instead of salt to give food good flavor. Eat at home more often. You’ll have more control over the ingredients you use, and can cook healthy meals.
  3. Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Eat whole fruits and a variety of vegetables.
  4. Be mindful of portion sizes. If you eat out, share half of your food with a friend or take half home.
  5. Move more. Start an exercise routine with 10 minute walks a couple days a week. Walk during a break. Dance in your living room to your favorite music. Build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days per week.
  6. Manage stress. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks.
  7. Know your family history.
  8. Quit smoking.
  9. Limit alcohol use.

Source: NHLBI and CDC