World Heart Day is celebrated every year on September 29. The goal (of World Heart Day) is to increase education on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and reduce global mortality. Research has shown that cardiovascular disease is responsible for almost half of NCD related deaths worldwide.
You are probably asking, “What is World Heart Day?”. Well, according to the World Heart Federation, the founders of the day, “World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world. We and our members believe in a world where heart health for everyone is a fundamental human right and a crucial element of global health justice.”
This year, the World Heart Federation, as part of achieving their mission of ensuring heart health for all, are encouraging people around the globe to become Heart Heroes. What is a heart hero?
Here’s how the World Heart Federation explained it:
Heart Heroes are, “People from all walks of life who are acting now to live longer, better, heart-healthy lives by making a promise:
A promise to our families to cook and eat more healthily
A promise to our children to exercise more and help them to be more active, to say no to smoking and help our loved ones to stop
A promise as a healthcare professional to help patients give up smoking and lower their cholesterol
A promise as a policymaker to support policies that promote healthy hearts
A promise as an employee to invest in heart-healthy workplaces.”
As mentioned previously, cardiovascular disease is one of the major killers today. Take the initiative and become a Heart Hero, not only for yourself, but for generations to come. Make these few small changes and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, so you can live a better and longer quality of life with the ones you love.