The World Heart Federation (WHF) recognizes World Heart Day on September 29 to increase awareness about heart disease and stroke, the world’s leading causes of death, which claims 17.3 million lives each year. The observance promotes preventive measures that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and highlights the fact that the majority of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided by controlling the main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
This year the request is asking people around the world to make a promise … for my heart, for your heart, for all our hearts
In May 2012, world leaders committed to reducing global mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is accountable for nearly half of all NCD deaths making it the world’s number one killer. World Heart Day is, therefore, the perfect platform to unite in the fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden.
World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.
Access free resources including posters and social media graphics for promoting World Heart Day.
Access the following ‘heart healthy’ printable educational materials:
- Know the Facts About Heart Disease Fact Sheet – http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/docs/ConsumerEd_HeartDisease.pdf
- Know the Facts About Cholesterol Fact Sheet – https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/docs/consumered_cholesterol.pdf
- Know the Facts About High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet – https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/docs/ConsumerEd_HBP.pdf
Additional Resources
• World Heart Federation (WHF)
• Million Hearts™ campaign
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• CDC’s Heart Disease Public Health Resource
As healthcare providers, it is important to encourage individuals to take action to make a difference in their health through healthy living. As we approach World Heart Day, let’s work together to empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices.
For more information on our efforts to improve cardiac health through partnerships, resources, education and shared learning, visit our Web site. Be sure to join our Learning and Action Network to get involved and connected.