World Heart Day is, annual observance and celebration held on September 29 that is intended to increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, including their prevention and their global impact.
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally. In the early 2000s, roughly 17 million people worldwide died from cardiovascular diseases annually. The majority of these deaths were the result of coronary heart disease or stroke. Although cardiovascular diseases are often considered to be afflictions of people living in developed countries, where a sedentary lifestyle is common, more than 80 percent of deaths from these diseases occur in low- and middle-income developing countries.
The primary causes of cardiovascular diseases—poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking—are considered modifiable factors. Thus, even in developing countries, which often lack efficient health care programs, the majority of these diseases can be prevented. Cardiovascular diseases also have a major impact on economic systems within countries, because of the high health care costs associated with treatment and lost productivity associated with disability and absenteeism from work.
The day is commemorated to promote different preventative steps and changes in lifestyle to avoid any cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure and any other condition related to the same. On average, more than 17 million people die from heart-related illnesses every year. This is a more than that of people who die from HIV, malaria, and cancer.
6 Healthy Habits to Strengthen Your Heart
Adopting healthy habits can be your best defense against heart disease, and may also help prevent heart attack and stroke. Here are some of the best things you can do for a healthier heart:
- Manage your blood pressure – High blood pressure causes constant strain on the heart. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to lower your numbers.
- Control your cholesterol – A healthy diet and exercise can help control cholesterol levels. One way to help keep cholesterol in check is to reduce the amount of fried and processed foods you eat. Replace them with more plant-based foods, whole grains and foods low in saturated fat.
- Lose weight – If you’re overweight, even a 10% drop in your weight can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can also reduce your risk of diabetes. Talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist to identify a target weight.
- Exercise – Ideally, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. But if you’re strapped for time, even moving more in 10-minute intervals can help. Every bit counts. Dance while you’re cooking or folding the laundry, or take a brisk walk after dinner.
- Stop smoking – Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your heart. Just one cigarette a day increases your chance of developing heart disease, as well as other chronic conditions.
- Calm down – Stress is not healthy. If you’re stressed out, chances are that your heart is, too. In addition to the negative health effects of stress on your body, high levels of stress tend to promote unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol and overeating. We know it’s not always easy to calm down when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Life is chaotic sometimes! But meditation can be one outlet for you to find a sense of calm and peace in your life.
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 the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
Lifestyle changes are the key to living a healthy, happy life. Now’s your chance to take care of your heart and launch a whole new life, a healthy heart for a better life.
AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.
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