On this day, 29th September: World Heart Day
World Heart Day, celebrated every year on September 29, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Launched by the World Heart Federation (WHF) in 2000, the day emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as healthy diets, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking to maintain heart health.
The goal of World Heart Day is to encourage individuals, families, communities, and governments to take action in preventing CVDs and promoting overall heart health. It focuses on the importance of making informed decisions, such as managing stress, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Key Objectives:
- Education and Awareness: Promotes knowledge about the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
- Global Action: Encourages countries and governments to implement policies and systems that facilitate heart-healthy environments, including public awareness campaigns and infrastructure that supports healthier living (such as parks and fitness programs).
- Individual Responsibility: Empowers individuals to make lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and quitting tobacco, to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Global Impact:
Each year, millions of people participate in events across the world, such as heart runs, educational talks, health checkups, and fitness workshops. The campaign uses the slogan "Use Heart, Know Heart" to emphasize the importance of using one’s heart wisely in maintaining a healthier lifestyle and recognizing signs of heart issues early.
The day's ultimate objective is to reduce the global burden of heart disease and strokes, which account for more than 17.9 million deaths annually. This figure is expected to rise if preventive measures are not widely adopted.
