29th September – World Heart Day
Each year World Heart Day lands on 29th September. Founded in 2000 by the World Heart Federation in order to raise awareness of the worlds biggest killer, cardiovascular disease.
Worldwide cardiovascular premature death statistics:
- 17,300,000 deaths annually
- 47,397 deaths daily
- 1974 deaths hourly
- 33 deaths each minute
- 1 death every 2 seconds
Research has shown that 80% of these deaths could have been prevented through lifestyle changes. By 2030, the annual number of premature deaths relating to cardiovascular disease is expected to rise to 23,000,000.
Lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of premature death:
- Smoking:Contact your GP for advice on quitting as this will raise your risk significantly.
- Alcohol: Follow the governments recommended guidelines of no more that 14 units per week for both men and women, spread over at least 3 days with 2 consecutive alcohol free days.
- Exercise: Do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise.
- Diet: A healthy and balanced diet comprises of eating only ‘real’ food. Limit processed foods, and replace ready meals with meat and fish plus plenty of vegetables. Be sure to eat regularly: 3 good meals plus 2 healthy snacks every day. Consume at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and eat plenty of fibre.
Minimising your risk of cardiovascular disease is vital if you want to live a full, happy and healthy life. So what are you waiting for?
