World Heart Day is a global campaign commemorated every year on September 29th, where families, individuals, communities, and governments around the world can come together and participate in activities to take charge of their heart health.
World Heart Day is a platform used for the Cardiovascular Disease community to educate and reduce the global disease. This day is used to inform people of everything heart related such as signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, the actions one can take to prevent and control CVD, and ways to stay healthy and fit to lower one’s risks.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) refers to any disease of the heart, the vascular system of the brain, or disease of the blood vessels in your body. CVD is one of the leading causes of death. According to the World Health Organization, 17.9 million people die every year from CVD.
It is important that everyone know the risk factors for CVD. Some risk factors, such as family history, gender, and age cannot be changed, while other risk factors can be. Some of the risk factors that can be modified are the following:
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Raised blood pressure
- Tobacco use
- Cholesterol
- Overweight/Obese
It is also important to know the signs of a heart attack or a stroke. The following are some symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Lightheadedness
- Arm pain
- Nausea
Staying healthy and active is a huge help in preventing heart health issues. Celebrate World Heart Day with everyone around you. It is important to be educated about CVD and everything it involves. It may save yours or someone else’s life. For more information regarding World Health Day and CVD, check out The World Heart Federation.
Staying healthy is the best prevention!
We encourage everyone to take part in some of the many events and exercise classes at our local senior centers that will keep you fit and healthy. Select a Senior Center
Also, please consider enrolling in the health education workshops offered by the CT Healthy Living Collective, which are open to Connecticut residents. Visit the CT Healthy Living Collective website
