World Heart Day!

Saturday, September 29, is “World Heart Day,” created by the World Heart Federation to remind everyone around the globe about heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 2 leading killers worldwide.  American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown issued the following comments in support of this special day:

“On this year’s World Heart Day, the American Heart Association hopes everyone will take a moment to reflect on what each of us can do to fight back against heart disease and stroke – two killers that know no international boundaries.

As a founding member of the World Heart Federation and a proud supporter of this special day, the association welcomes this opportunity to turn the spotlight on efforts to stop cardiovascular disease in its tracks. This year’s focus is on the prevention of cardiovascular disease among women and children.  It is especially timely, as our Go Red For Women campaign is about to celebrate a decade of empowering women to wipe out heart disease. Each year, cardiovascular disease claims the lives of approximately 8.6 million women worldwide. Every 60 seconds, one woman somewhere in the world dies from heart disease or stroke. 

That’s why the American Heart Association has joined forces with the World Heart Federation to build awareness and promote action globally. Today more than 40 countries are engaged in this effort.
World Heart Day is also a time to remember that cardiovascular disease can be conquered by making simple, healthy lifestyle choices. Prevention must be an international priority. To help attain that goal, the association has created a list of seven health factors and health behaviors that are the key to preventing cardiovascular disease. We call them “Life’s Simple 7.”  They are: regular physical activity, healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products, maintaining a healthy body weight, and controlling blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar.

A healthy life free of heart disease and stroke is a goal within your reach, no matter where you live. On this World Heart Day, the American Heart Association hopes people everywhere will keep this message in mind throughout the year.”