World Heart Day was created in 2000 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.
The theme for this year is One World, One Home, One Heart, with this picture (© World Heart Federation) as its symbol. One World indicates that World Heart Day presents a great opportunity to communicate messages about non-communicable diseases and to elevate NCDs up the global health agenda. One Home calls on individuals to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke. We ask people to take charge of their home’s heart health by taking steps such as choosing healthy food options, increasing physical activity, and saying no to tobacco. In One Heart the emphasis will be on improving heart health across all nations.
Governments, organisations and businesses across the globe have committed to the promotion of heart health. What about you?
Source:
World Heart Federation, www.worldheartfederation.org