Use Heart … for society, your loved ones and you
We are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the healthcare profession, national healthcare systems and our individual responsibilities – for our own health and for the vulnerable in society.
We don’t know what course the pandemic will take in the future but we do know that taking care of our hearts right now is more important than ever.
So this year on 29 September, our campaign is asking the world to:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death on the planet. It has many causes: from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and rare and neglected conditions such as Chagas Disease and cardiac amyloidosis.
In the time of COVID-19, CVD patients are faced with a double-edged threat. Not only are they more at risk of developing severe forms of the virus, but they may also be afraid to seek ongoing care for their hearts.
Use Heart is about using …
Your knowledge
To understand what it takes to live a heart healthy life and to act on that knowledge, changing your behaviour for a better quality of life now and in the future.
Your influence
As an individual to set an example for your loved ones.
As a healthcare professional to help your patients make positive changes for their heart health.
As an employer to invest in the heart health of your employees.
As a government to implement policies and initiatives that will lead to better societal heart health, such as sugar taxes, smoking bans and reducing air pollution.
Your compassion
To look beyond the self and act in ways that support the most vulnerable in society; those with underlying heart-related conditions that may put them at greater risk in the time of COVID-19.
We can all look after our hearts and help to prevent CVD by eating a healthy diet, saying no to tobacco, sticking to safe alcohol guidelines and getting plenty of exercise – setting an example for our children and loved ones.
If you have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity, don’t let COVID-19 stop you attending your regular check-ups. And never avoid calling the emergency services if you need to – it’s safe and medical professionals are there for you.
Individuals, communities and businesses have responded to the pandemic in incredible ways, supporting each other, the healthcare profession and the vulnerable in society. It’s about making better choices at every level – from the personal and our day-to-day choices, to the world’s governments and population-wide policy choices.
The pandemic has led to an outpouring of support for nurses, doctors, researchers and carers. As we build towards World Heart Day 2020 we will continue to showcase the stories of these frontline heroes and their patients.
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