World Heart Day 2007
“Team up for healthy hearts”
Heart disease and stroke are the world's greatest killers, claiming 17.5 million lives a year which represents nearly one third of all deaths in the world. Unfortunately 80 percent of them belong to low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that 15 million people are suffering from heart diseases in Bangladesh. Majority of them are in their 40s. It is alarming for our society. Today is World Heart Day. Since 1999, the World Heart Federation (WHF) and its associate organisations in more than 100 countries have celebrated this day. The day is celebrated annually to increase public awareness and promote preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke on a global scale. As a general rule, it is better for people to stay active. This year's World Heart Day focuses on the theme "Team Up for Healthy Hearts". It will encourage people around the world to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to help maintain a young heart for life by controlling the major cardiovascular risk factors, by choosing a healthy diet, being physically active, by not smoking, keep diabetes, high blood pressure and blood cholesterole level under control, and maintain healthy weight can prevent heart attacks and strokes. With 155 million overweight and obese children globally, parents and teachers can play a major role in helping children control weight and develop other healthy habits to reduce major risk factors for heart disease and stroke in later life. One study from Norway found that the probability of a teenager eating a low fat diet was twice as high if both parents also had low fat diets. Another study found that parental involvement significantly improves the eating and exercise behaviours of 8 -11 year-olds. Obese youths have an 80 percent greater chance of remaining overweight as adults and will consequently be at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Overweight children are three to five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke before they reach the age of 65 than children with a normal weight, plus have a higher chance of developing diabetes. A study found that children who watched more than two hours of television a day were 50 percent more likely to be overweight. The World Heart Federation has the following tips to help protect people and their families from heart disease and stroke: 1. Encourage everyone to eat well-balanced meals, including (steamed, boiled, grilled or baked) lean meat, fish, vegetables, pulses, fruit and low fat products. 2. Provide at least five daily servings of vegetables and fruit. 3. Offer water, low fat milk or fresh, unsweetened fruit juices to drink rather than soft drinks. 4. Include fruit or vegetables in your children's school lunch or snack. Convince your child's friend's parents to do likewise. Get their teacher's support to put healthy eating on the classroom agenda. 5. Make sure you don't consume excess salt, especially through processed foods. 6. Plan more family activities outside. Add 30 minutes of regular physical activity daily and build physical activity into day-to-day chores. Take the stairs rather than the lift, for instance. 7. Make your home smoke-free and try to ensure that your children don't smoke or experience tobacco smoke anywhere else. 8. Limit screen time. Keep the TV or computer off as much as possible and make sure your children's leisure time is packed with plenty of physical activity. Why not go with your child to school by foot or bicycle. 9. As a family member, set a good example by eating healthily, being physically active on a regular basis and by not smoking. 10. If you think anyone in the family is at risk of heart disease, check with your health professional. Dr M H Millat, MBBS, FRCS is a Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at the Square Hospital, Dhaka.
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