World Heart Day: focus on women and children

by Carolyn Thomas

It’s easy to forget that heart disease is not only our biggest health threat here in North America, but it also wins that dubious prize worldwide.  Over 17 million cardiovascular disease deaths will occur this year – half of whom will be in females. That’s why the Swiss-based World Heart Federation has launched an international goal of reducing premature heart disease deaths by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

The Federation also reminds us of the myth that cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are lifestyle diseases that primarily affect older, wealthy, male populations. 

Sadly, it’s far from the truth.  In fact, all ages and population groups are affected by heart disease, including women and children. And cardiovascular disease takes lives prematurely, causes debilitating chronic illness and disability at high and devastating costs to families and societies.

World Heart Day is held on September 29th every year, helping to raise awareness and encouraging individuals, families, communities and governments to take action to reduce this burden of heart disease and stroke.

This year’s theme is cardiovascular disease prevention among women and children.

Children are considered particularly at risk, according to the Federation, since they have little control over their environment and can be limited in their heart-healthy choices. Unless action is taken to enable these choices,the children of today are at increased heart disease risk later in life.  And we know that mothers are often the gatekeepers to their family’s health, hence are key influencers in keeping hearts healthy.

Find out more about how you can help to spread the word about World Heart Day on September 29th – and speaking of September 29th, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister, Cathy!  ♥

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