As Americans, we are bombarded with information on how smoking, obesity, and unhealthy habits result in a large number of deaths related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, premature death by heart disease and stroke is not just a problem in the US, it is the world’s number one killer. To combat this global killer, the World Heart Federation (WHF) is zealously promoting its mission to reduce premature deaths from CVD by at least 25% by the year 2025 – “our 25by25 goal.” Headquartered in Geneva Switzerland, the WHF connects resources such as hospitals, clinics, cardiologists, health professionals, and foundations to establish a global community dedicated to its cause.
The WHF has declared September 29, 2017 as World Heart Day to inspire people worldwide to be heart healthy. The theme of this year’s campaign is to educate people that small changes in lifestyle can make a significant difference in living longer, heart-healthy lives. Premature deaths from CVD can be prevented if individuals take control of their heart health and avoid the four main risk factors: smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. The WHF wants to inspire everyone to eat more healthily, cut down on alcohol and tobacco use, and increase our daily physical activity. So on September 29, 2017 let us all make a commitment to keep our hearts healthy and promote the heart health of those around us.