Use Heart for Action (World Heart Day 2024)
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| Courtesy Image for World Heart Day |
Every
year on September 29th is World Heart Day. Silent heart attacks occur out of
one in five people and these heart attacks are not felt. Shortness of breath,
swelling on the legs and feet, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, pain in the neck,
numbness, are some of the early warning signs of heart disease. It is estimated
that ninety percent of heart diseases can be prevented and by taking action
according to the American Heart Association. This year the theme is " Use
Heart for Action."
World Heart Day
is a day to get involved by participating in posting heart health images on
social media. It is also a day to create posters or social media images to
bring awareness of heart disease and heart health. Additionally, it is a day to
say "Yes" to exercise and to healthy eating. Monitor your blood
pressure if you have high blood pressure. Reduce your stress by walking,
running, cycling, swimming, or other exercises.
Have
conversations about heart diseases and heart health. Listen to your family
members or to your friends. Encourage healthy habits and support them in their
progress. Do not judge them or make them feel worse as they speak to you. Join
them in eating healthier and exercising together.
Cook healthier
meals together with low sodium or no salt. Stay quiet when they are checking
their blood pressure. Drink sugar free beverages with them. If your partner has
a heart condition, support them and encourage them to follow their doctor's
recommendations. As well as accompanying them to their medical appointments,
managing their medication schedule, and helping them find ways to relax.
Pack healthy
snacks and lunches for your partner and your children. Take healthy snacks and
healthy lunches to work or school. Get yearly screening for high blood
pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other exams. Take breaks at work so you
can get exercise for thirty minutes per day. Celebrate their progress by
watching a family movie, a picnic, card games, karaoke, or other fun
activities.
"Use Heart
for Action" is a day to take action in taking care of your heart, your
partner’s heart, and everyone else that you know and love. Wear red on World
Heart Day. Make a paper heart and make a commitment to make healthy habits for
your heart health and for your family’s heart health. Create a heart in your
garden by using steppingstones. Ride a bicycle or walk outside after having
your meals.
Educate yourself
and your family about warning signs of a heart attack, heart disease, and high
blood pressure. Additionally learn about diabetes and cholesterol. Take a CPR
class. Dedicate some time to take heart classes online or community workshops.
Follow the Dash Diet, Mediterranean Diet, Plant-based Diet, or other diet that
your doctor recommends for heart health.
Wear heart
jewelry or make a heart bracelet to remind you to take care of your heart.
Donate to the American Heart Association or other heart charity. Paint a heart
on t-shirts with fabric paint for yourself and your entire family. Use red
light bulbs for your porch light to bring awareness of World Heart Day. Here
are resources for World Heart Day.
World Heart Day-29 September 2024-World Heart Federation Organization:
World Heart Day-29 September 2024-World Heart Federation Organization
Eight Ways to Celebrate World Heart Day:
Eight Ways to Celebrate World Heart Day
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