The Cayman Islands is once again joining countries all around the world in observance of World Heart Day, which is held each year on 29 September, 2012.
World Heart Day, an initiative of the World Heart Federation, was first observed in 2000. If you visit the World Heart Federation website, you will discover that the primary message it seeks to spread is “that at least 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are controlled”.
This is an important message that warrants frequent repetition, because heart disease kills more people worldwide than anything else.
This year, World Heart Day is emphasising cardiovascular disease prevention in women and children. Why women and children? Many people, unfortunately, still think of heart disease as an “older person’s” or a “man’s disease”. The fact is that women account for almost 50 per cent of the deaths due to heart disease.
Initiatives like The Heart Truth® campaign, which specifically targets women, has helped increase awareness, but heart disease and its risk factors are still on the rise in women. Helping women understand their personal risk factors and encouraging them to be proactive about protecting their heart health will likely have far reaching benefits, as research indicates that women make about 85 per cent of the health decisions in families.
A woman who understands how to keep her heart healthy is well positioned to help her other family members, especially her children, keep their hearts healthy as well.
Reducing the numbers of adults with heart disease will be nearly impossible unless we keep our children healthy. The risk for heart disease can increase significantly during childhood due to unhealthy diet, lack of active play/exercise, and exposure to smoking.
Since children have limited decision making control, we must take responsibility for the hearts of our children. From parents and caregivers, to doctors and teachers, everyone involved in a child’s life must work together to promote heart healthy behaviours.
By taking responsibility for our own health, each of us has the potential to reduce the toll of heart disease one individual at a time. Simple steps taken consistently can add up to a significant improvement in your health, reducing your risk of death or disability due to heart disease.
Take a moment to carefully examine your personal risk factors and take action, starting today. Then we can experience the priceless benefits of healthier individuals making healthier families and creating healthier communities in the Cayman Islands.
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