Putting your heart first on world heart day
**T**he World Heart Federation commemorates World Heart Day on 29th September every year. The federation attempts to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and give people a chance to improve their heart health. According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), 17.9 million people died of CVDs in 2016 That year, CVDs caused 27% of all non-communicable deaths in India. Unfortunately, world heart day awareness in India remains low. People continue to let their health take a backseat to other priorities. This year, take a moment to give yourself and your heart a chance.
World Heart Day History
The World Heart Federation dates back to 1978. That year, the International Society of Cardiology (ISC) and the International Cardiology Federation (ICF) came together to form the International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC). In 1998, it changed its name to World Heart Federation. The organisation works closely with the WHO to raise awareness about CVDs and spread information on world heart day, which they celebrated for the first time in 1999.
International World Heart Day 2022
Every year, the World Heart Federation picks a theme to help spread crucial world heart day information. The theme for 2022 is Use Heart for Every Heart. The idea is to spread awareness about the impact of CVDs in low-income and middle-income countries since they account for over 75% of all CVD deaths. Apart from empathy, this year's theme also focuses on looking after the planet. We can take measures to reduce air pollution, which causes 25% of CVD deaths. Finally, the theme talks about looking after yourself. Instead of focusing on physical health, the World Heart Federation wants to draw attention to the link between psychological stress and heart disease.
How To Put Your Heart First For A Happy World Heart Day
Move Around
Your heart is a muscle, and you need to exercise it regularly. If you don’t want to commit to an exercise regimen, don’t worry. You can start with brief walks through the day. Whether you’re working from home or the office, try and take short breaks every hour or two and walk around for just 10 minutes at a time.
Watch Your Diet
We often end up snacking on fried foods when we’re hungry between meals. If you can, swap your evening vada pav for fresh fruit or some vegetables. Adding wholesome foods like fruit and vegetables to your daily diet help you feel full and satisfied for longer. They also help you keep your weight down and your heart healthy.
Find Still Moments
If you’re struggling with a lot of stress, take some time to meditate or complete a yoga routine. Being still and living in the moment can reduce stress levels, which lessens the load on your heart.
Get Quality Sleep
Going to bed on time and getting eight hours of quality sleep can significantly impact your overall health. Sleep gives your body and mind time to reset and relax, reducing your blood pressure.
Taking care of your heart requires minor lifestyle adjustments. Swapping unhealthy snacks for healthy ones and taking the stairs instead of the elevator can help keep your heart healthy. Along with these lifestyle changes, you must also invest in yourself and safeguard your finances with health insurance. A health policy helps take care of hospital bills after a medical emergency. Many plans also provide critical illness coverage, which helps deal with CVDs and strokes. Once you purchase a policy, you must remember to renew your health insurance on time every year.
Disclaimer
The content on Putting your heart first on world heart day is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. The authors are not licensed medical professionals, and Zuno General Insurance Limited assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided. By using this site, you agree that Putting your heart first on world heart day is not responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on its content.
