Make sure you can live life to the full with a heart that is healthy.

Heart disease and stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 45% of all deaths in industrial countries and up to 25% of deaths in others – it is also very limiting to live with heart disease. But World Heart Day is not just about preventing disease, but living life to the full, whatever your age or situation.

Get with the beat

Find out what is happening near you on World Heart Day.

Walks, talks, aerobics sessions, dance competitions, entertainment, radio and TV coverage, education pro-grammes and even health screenings will be going on all around the world, so click on www.worldheart.org to find out what is happening near you.

Top 10 tips for a healthy heart

Things you can do

1. Exercise – even a little is better than none
2. A better diet could improve your health
3. Watch your weight
4. Try to stop smoking – we know it’s tough
5. Try to avoid stress

Things to check out with your doctor

6. Have your blood pressure checked
7. Check for diabetes
8. Monitor your cholesterol levels
9. Have an overall check up

But most important

10. Have a heart for life – look after your heart and tell your family and friends

About us

The World Heart Federation helps people around the world to live a longer and better life through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke. Our membership is made up of 139 societies of cardiology and heart foundations in 95 countries. Visit www.worldheart.org, call +41 22 807 03 20 or write to us at World Heart Federation, 5 avenue du Mail, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.

World Heart Day - Sunday, 30 September 2001

a heart for life

To enjoy l i fe to the full you need to have a healthy heart. So the World Heart Federation organises World Heart Day to help make people all over the world aware of just how extraordinary their heart really is, how to look after it and how to reduce the risk of damaging it. To find out more go to www.worldheart.org

A little change goes a long way

You can make a big difference just by making a little change.

Exercise regularly – (Yes we all know it’s hard) Just 30 minutes of brisk walking every day or even a few bouts of exercise of between 10 – 15 minutes a few times a day will help you have a healthy heart for life. Other fun activities are jogging, beach sports, swimming, cycling, golf, dancing, gardening and even housework!

Eat well – It’s one of life’s joys. But watch your diet and try to keep to low fat, low cholesterol food where you can.

Keep to a healthy weight – It’s much more comfortable. If your weight is too high, you’ll be putting a strain on your heart.

If you smoke try to give up – We know it’s difficult, but there are groups that help and this will make a big difference in preventing heart disease and also can reduce the risk of suffering from lung cancer. Encourage and support your friends as well.

Relax, cut stress – Smile on life when you can and try to be as relaxed as possible. You won’t just be happier, you’ll be healthier too.

Check your blood pressure – Visit your doctor to have your blood pressure checked and to find out if you have hypertension. Your doctor can prescribe treatment and will reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.

Check if you have diabetes – If you are diabetic, you have a greater risk of heart disease if it is not adequately controlled. Treatment for diabetes is basic to general health as well as a healthy heart – so ask your doctor.

Watch your cholesterol level – High cholesterol levels contribute to heart disease but often a healthy diet is enough to bring cholesterol levels back to normal.

Check your health – Go to your doctor once a year for a check up – even if you are feeling fine as you may not have any noticeable symptoms. Your doctor will check you’re really healthy.

Have a heart for life – Look after your heart so you can live better longer. The younger you start the better, but it is never too late to begin. Why not also show you have a heart by telling your family and friends.