World Heart Day 2010

HeartPatients Foundation Support Group for People suffering from Heart Diseases Worldwide A message to all members of HeartPatients Foundation World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year. Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled. World Heart Day will be held on Sunday, 26 September 2010 * On 26 September 2010 – 10 years after the first World Heart Day in September 2000 – the World Heart Federation and its members are celebrating progress in heart health. * At this 10-year milestone, the World Heart Federation is urging governments, healthcare professionals, employers and individuals to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke. * Building on last year and to ensure sustained change, the World Heart Federation is targeting the workplace to promote heart healthy messages. The Workplace Wellness initiative aims to use the workplace to promote long-term behavioural changes that will benefit employers, employees and communities. On World Heart Day, we call on everyone to take responsibility for their own heart health and say "I work with Heart". By outlining 10 simple steps that can be taken and encouraging people to start by taking at least one; healthy diets, physical activity and saying no to tobacco is advocated. 10 simple steps 1. Healthy food intake - Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day and avoid saturated fat. Beware of processed foods, which often contain high levels of salt. 2. Get active & take heart - Even 30 minutes of activity can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and your work will benefit too. 3. Say no to tobacco - Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time. 4. Maintain a healthy weight - Reducing weight, especially together with lower ed salt intake, leads to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major factor for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke. 5. Know your numbers - Visit a healthcare professional who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, together with waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (bmi). Once you know your overall risk,you can develop a specific plan of action to improve your heart health. 6. Limit your alcohol intake - Restrict the amount of alcoholic drinks that you consume. Excessive alcohol intake can cause your blood pressure to rise and your weight to increase. 7. Insist on a smoke-free environment Demand a tobacco ban - ensure your workplace is 100% smoke-free Support the adoption of smoking - cessation services encourage your employer to provide help to those wanting to quit tobacco 8. Bring exercise to the workplace - Include physical activity in your working schedule - cycle to work if this is possible, take the stairs, exercise or go for a walk during your lunch breaks, and encourage others to do so too 9. Choose healthy food options- Ask for healthy food at your work canteen, or find nearby cafes or restaurants that serve healthy meals 10. Encourage stress-free moments -whilst stress has not been shown to be a direct risk fact or for heart disease and stroke, it is related to smoking, excessive drinking and unhealthy eating, which are risk factors for heart disease. - Take time for lunch away from your workplace to get some fresh air - Have regular breaks during the day - try stretching or exercising for 5 minutes twice a day What activities are you planning in your city? Join the discussion at http://www.heartpatients.com/forum/topics/world-heart-day-2010 regards, Heart Patients Foundation www.HeartPatients.com