World Heart Day 2020
Founded in 2000, World Heart Day is an initiative of the World Heart Federation (WHF). It is the world’s biggest platform for raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD). The day is dedicated to encouraging individuals, families, communities and governments to take action now, to ensure that everyone has access to essential medicines and that those in need receive appropriate treatment.
Use Heart … for society, your loved ones and you.
In light of COVID-19, the WHF have recognised that we are living in unprecedented times. They urge that the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the healthcare profession, national healthcare systems and our individual responsibilities – for our own health and for the vulnerable in society.
They acknowledge that while the future course of the pandemic is still unknown, taking care of our hearts right now is more important than ever.
So this year on September 29th, the WHF are asking the world to
CVD is the number one cause of death on the planet. It has many causes: from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and rare and neglected conditions such as Chagas Disease and cardiac amyloidosis.
In the time of COVID-19, CVD patients are faced with a double-edged threat. Not only are they more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts.
Use Heart is about using …
Your head
To understand what it takes to live a heart-healthy life and to act on that knowledge, changing your behaviour for a better quality of life now and in the future.
Your influence
As an individual to set an example for your loved ones.
As a healthcare professional to help your patients make positive changes for their heart health.
As an employer to invest in the heart health of your employees.
As a government to implement policies and initiatives that will lead to better societal heart health, such as sugar taxes, smoking bans and reducing air pollution.
Your compassion
To look beyond the self and act in ways that support the most vulnerable in society; those with underlying heart-related conditions that may put them at greater risk in the time of COVID-19.
Visit worldheartday.org to learn more.
Remember to wear red this World Heart Day to show your support and help raise awareness about heart health!