World Heart Day: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the world’s number one killer. It is currently responsible for 17.3 million deaths per year, and by 2030 this figure is expected to rise to 23 million. But most CVD can be prevented by addressing risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Too often, society ‘blames’ the individual’s lifestyle choices for his or her CVD. But the environments in which we live, work and play can have a huge effect on our ability to make the right choices for our heart health.

World Heart Day(WHD) believes that everyone, everywhere has the right to make healthy heart choices. This year World Heart Day is dedicated to exposing how much our environments can impact on and increase CVD risk factors.

World Heart Day is an annual event which takes place on 29 September every year – the world’s biggest intervention against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Each year’s celebrations have a different theme, reflecting key issues and topics relating to heart health.

This year, World Heart Day’s theme is Creating heart-healthy environments. The places in which we live, work and play should not increase our risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But individuals frequently cannot make heart-healthy choices due to environmental factors, such as the availability of healthy food or smoke-free zones.

World Heart Day was founded in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming 17.3 million lives each year.

 

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Together with World Heart Federation members, World Heart Day spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) could be avoided if four main risk factors – tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol – are controlled.

The success of World Heart Day depends on the proactivity of organizations from around the world to help us spread awareness of CVD, the world’s number one killer.

Walks, runs, sporting events, concerts, public talks and screenings… all sorts of activities were organized by members and partners of the World Heart Federation, and individuals across the world to mark World Heart Day. Events like these are counted to increase awareness of how we can combat premature mortality caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, the world’s number one killer.

In line with its commitment to promote healthy living as a means to maintaining a healthy heart, Power Oil organised a consumer activation event tagged: Pay with Calories 2.0 at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. The event was held in commemoration of this year’s World Heart Day.

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The activation involved participants’ engaging in series of workouts on treadmills and cyclers. Participants were then rewarded with various gift items depending on the amount of calories they were able to burn out within a specific time. Free medical check-ups were also held for consumers.

Speaking during the event, it’s Brand Manager, Disha Argawalm said: “Rather than focus solely on sales, Power Oil is dedicated to promoting healthy living amongst its consumers. We try to encourage people to live healthy lives and not to use sub-standard cooking oil which in most cases puts consumers at risk of heart related diseases and other health hazards.”

She also noted that the event was held to encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles through daily exercise and healthy eating habits.

 

Take Actions to Reduce your Risk of CVD Where You:

1. LIVE

Healthy heart choices where you PLAY

Put the spotlight on your home and see what you could change to make it heart healthy. Making even just a few changes can help reduce your own and your family’s risk of heart disease and stroke.

Stock your home with healthy food options

  • Limit prepacked food that are often high in sugar, fat and salt.
  • Incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables in your meals or swap sweet treats for mango or other fruits.
  • Prepare healthy school or work lunches at home.

Ban smoking in your home

  • Stopping smoking in your home will not only improve your health but also your children’s health
  • Quitting smoking is also a great way to be a positive role model for your children

Be active

  • Limit TV watching at home
  • Along with maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity is one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit. Organize outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, walking, dancing or simply playing in the garden

Recognize your CVD Risk

  • Visit a health professional who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, weight and body mass index, and advise on your risk.
  • Once you know your CVD risk, you can make a specific plan to improve your heart health and your healthcare professional can also advise on appropriate treatment options where necessary

2. WORK:

Healthy heart choices where you WORK

World Heart Day want  workplaces, schools and hospitals to make their environments places where people can make healthy heart choices. Here are a few simple ways you can make your work or children’s school lives more heart healthy.

Say no to smoking

  • Demand a smoking ban in your workplaces and ask your employer to provide help to colleagues who want to quit
  • Ensure that your co-workers comply with the ban
  • Make a complaint when you see smoking zones situated near playgrounds or schools, or close to hospital or work entrances

Bring Exercise to Work

  • Cycle or walk to work or get off the bus a stop or two early
  • Take the stairs and encourage others to do so
  • Encourage employers to use pedometers or a smartphone app like Ground Miles (www.groundmiles.com) to track steps and even hold walking competitions
  • Stand up while you’re on the phone or at your desk

Watch what you eat

  • Urge schools, workplaces, hospitals and clinics to offer healthy, affordable food

Reduce stress

  • While stress hasn’t been shown to be a direct CVD risk factor, it is related to smoking, excessive drinking and unhealthy eating – all risk factors for heart disease
  • Take time for lunch away from work to get some fresh air and gentle exercise
  • Have regular breaks – try stretching or exercising for 5 minutes at regular intervals throughout the day

According to the World Health Organization/World Economic Forum, being healthy at work isn’t just good for individuals, it’s also good for business, helping to increase productivity and reduce absenteeism.

3. PLAY

Healthy heart choices where you PLAY

Physical inactivity can contribute significantly to heart disease as it can lead to unhealthy weight gain, diabetes and raised blood pressure. Take control of your heart health by getting more active.

Encourage your children to be active

  • According to the World Health Organization, children aged 5-17 years of age should aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity a day
  • Be active with your children by walking or cycling to school together
  • Remember, it’s not just sport – dancing, going for a walk, even helping with the housework all count
  • Limit time spent watching TV or playing computer games to no more than 2 hours a day
  • Get involved in letter-writing campaigns and petitions to lobby governments for more green space for children to play, bike paths and safe walkways

 Get active yourself

  • It’s never too late to start! Begin small and gradually increase, aiming for 50 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise throughout the week
  • Always talk to your doctor before you begin any programme of exercise
  • Even if you have a disability try to be as physically active as your ability of condition allows – a little activity is better than none

The best types of activity

  • Aerobic exercise is especially good for your heart – brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling are all ideal
  • Muscle strengthening exercises also help you to burn more calories to keep your weight gain healthy – try climbing stairs, walking uphill and digging in the garden
  • Strengthening exercises, like T’ai chi and yoga, can help to improve your flexibility

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