World Heart Day was established in 2000, with the goal of informing people around the world that heart and blood vessel diseases are the leading cause of death. Every year, 17.9 million people in the world die as a result of heart and blood vessel diseases, and it is estimated that by 2030, that number will increase to 23 million. The World Heart Federation warns that at least 85% of premature deaths can be prevented by controlling major risk factors (smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity).
This year, World Heart Day, September 29, 2020, is marked under the slogan: "With all my heart for a healthy heart."
We live in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, which burdened health systems, health workers and raised the level of individual responsibility for one's own health and the health of the entire society. The course of the pandemic is still unpredictable, which is why caring for the condition of our heart is currently more important than ever. That is why this year, on September 29, the campaign marking the World Heart Day emphasizes the importance of heart and blood vessel diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the world. COVID-19 particularly endangers heart patients and puts them at double risk. On the one hand, heart patients are already in poor health, and if they become infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the risk of developing a more severe clinical picture of COVID-19 is higher.
People who have heart failure are much more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and the development of complications. Heart failure is a serious health condition, when a weakened heart muscle does not supply the body with a sufficient amount of blood. Symptoms and signs of heart failure are: shortness of breath, fatigue and swelling of the lower legs. 26 million people in the world suffer from heart failure. Heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalizations in the world. Of the five heart patients, one will develop heart failure.
TIPS TO SAVE YOUR HEART
- Be wise in choosing food and drink
Cut down on sugary drinks and fruit juices - choose water or unsweetened juices.
Replace sweets and sweet treats with fresh fruit as a healthy alternative.
Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables (about a few a day) - they can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
Consume a certain amount of alcohol in accordance with the recommended guidelines.
Limit processed and fried foods, which often contain large amounts of salt, sugar and saturated and trans fats.
Make healthy meals at home.
Be physically active
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day seven days a week.
Walk to work or to the store.
Use stairs instead of elevators.
Get involved in a sport or dance.
Engage in physical activity at work (use the break for light stretching exercises or a short walk).
If you travel by bus, get off two stops earlier.
Go to work by bike, if possible.
Do physical activity while watching TV (squats, riding a stationary bike, exercising on a stepper).
The more free time you spend in nature, physically active (walking, gardening, cycling or rollerblading).
Say no to smoking
This is the best thing you can do to improve your heart health.
Within two years of smoking cessation, the risk of coronary heart disease is significantly reduced.
After 15 years after smoking cessation, the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases returns to the risk of non-smokers.
By quitting smoking, you will improve your health and the health of your loved ones.
If you have problems with smoking cessation, seek professional advice.
Today we celebrated World Heart Day at school. They hung out with friends from the project and our dear Verica from the Red Cross.
Thank You!