World Heart Day is a global event that is celebrated every year on the 29th of September. This essential day serves as a powerful reminder about cardiovascular diseases and their impact on humans. Did you know millions of people die from heart disease across the world every year? This day serves as a reminder to take care of your heart!
World Heart Day History
World Heart Day history says, was started by the World Heart Federation in 2000, to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases, and promote healthier lifestyles. Since then, every year, the World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29th.
World Heart Day Significance
As we know, heart disease is still the number one cause of death worldwide, and so World Heart Day holds immense significance. This day creates a platform where doctors, companies and all people can come together to spread awareness through various initiatives and promote a healthier lifestyle for your heart.
10 World Heart Day Facts That You Must Know
1. Global Awareness Day:
World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29th every year. It acts like a global platform in order to promote heart-healthy lifestyles and raise awareness of heart diseases.
2. Initiated By World Heart Federation:
This day dedicated to heart health was originally started by the World Heart Federation, which is a Geneva-based global non-governmental organization in Switzerland.
3. Heart Disease = Leading Cause of Death:
Did you know that heart disease is actually the #1 cause of death in the world, and accounts for more than 17 million deaths each year? That’s why, this day is to deal with this global health issue.
4. Key Messages:
There are many important messages that this day promotes, including the need to adopt a healthy diet, avoid the use of tobacco, exercise regularly, and keep track of your heart health via numbers like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Global Participation:
This important day is observed in more than 100 countries across the globe and involves many activities from health screenings and fitness events to public talks and more.
6. Preventable And Controllable:
A lot of the heart diseases that we come across are easily preventable and controllable through simple lifestyle changes, thus this day encourages taking proactive steps to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
7. Red Heart Symbol:
The symbol for this say is a read heart, and people often wear red clothing or accessories to show their support for World Heart Day!
8. Advocacy And Fundraising:
In addition to raising awareness, the day also provides opportunities to advocate and fundraising efforts to support any and all heart-related programs and research.
9. Yearly Themes:
This day has a theme every year, and for 2023 the theme is: “Use Heart, Know Heart.” This signifies the use of the heart emoji to promote the theme, as well as the significance of the day!
10. Digital Awareness:
In today’s digital age, World Heart Day utilises all the various online platforms to spread awareness with strategies like the hashtag: #WorldHeartDay.
How Is World Heart Day Celebrated In India?
1. Health Camps And Free Check-Ups:
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations organize health camps and free check-ups on World Heart Day to screen people for heart disease risk factors and other health problems.
2. Awareness Walks And Runs:
Awareness walks and runs are another popular way to celebrate World Heart Day in India. These events help to promote heart health and raise awareness about heart disease.
3. Educational Workshops And Seminars:
Educational workshops and seminars are held on World Heart Day to teach people about heart disease, its prevention, and its treatment.
4. Public Lectures And Talks:
Public lectures and talks are given by cardiologists and other healthcare professionals on World Heart Day to educate the public about heart health and heart disease.
5. Social Media Campaigns:
Social media campaigns are also used to raise awareness about World Heart Day and heart disease, with the hashtag #WorldHeartDay
Read: CARDIOLOGIST SHARES SIMPLE TIPS TO BOOST HEART HEALTH IN WOMEN OVER 40
10 Simple Ways To Improve The Health Of Your Heart
Here are a few ways of how to improve heart health:
1. Balanced Diet:
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize saturated and trans fats, as well as added sugars and sodium.
2. Regular Exercise:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
3. Maintain A Healthy Weight:
Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Manage Stress:
Practise stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
5. Quit Smoking:
If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking. It’s one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease.
6. Limit Alcohol:
If you’re wondering how to improve heart health, you know what to do. Consume alcohol in moderation, with up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
7. Monitor Blood Pressure:
Keep an eye on your blood pressure and work with your healthcare provider to manage it if it’s high.
8. Control Cholesterol:
Maintain a diet low in saturated and trans fats and follow your doctor’s advice regarding cholesterol-lowering medications if needed.
9. Get Enough Sleep:
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
10. Regular Check-ups:
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your heart health and receive guidance on managing risk factors.
Top 10 Foods Good For Heart Health
Here are the top 10 heart-healthy foods:
1. Fatty Fish:
Fish like salmon, mackerel and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Omega-3s can lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, and decrease triglycerides.
2. Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is packed with soluble fibre, which helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. It’s a great way to start your day with a heart-healthy breakfast.
3. Nuts:
Almonds and walnuts are high in monounsaturated fats, fibre, and antioxidants. They can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation.
4. Berries:
Blueberries and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, including flavonoids. These compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease by improving blood pressure and reducing artery stiffness.
5. Flaxseeds:
These tiny seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and phytoestrogens. They can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.
6. Legumes:
Legumes like beans, lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of plant-based protein, fibre, and potassium. They can help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
7. Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that may improve heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. However, it should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content.
8. Olive Oil:
A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. It’s high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
9. Whole Grains:
Whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat (atta) and quinoa are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
10. Leafy Greens:
Spinach and kale are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are low in calories and high in dietary fibre, making them great for heart health.
Every year, World Heart Day is much more than just an annual event – it is a worldwide commitment we pledge to our heart health. Even today, heart diseases still claim millions of lives every year. We need to encourage everybody to get regular checkups and adopt lifestyles that are healthy for our hearts, in order to combat these cardiovascular diseases.
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