It’s Spring, and our surroundings are starting to experience new life and regrowth. How are you feeling? Still recovering from the cold, or are you warming up and feeling alive again? This isn’t an irrelevant question because we’re focusing on how to best start using your heart for humanity, nature, and yourself.
Annually, over 17 million people die from heart disease, and we don’t want you to become a statistic. Grab the opportunity to raise awareness around cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s biggest killer, and how to care for your heart on World Heart Day (WHD), Thursday, 29 September 2022.
Heart health is a global issue
- Heart disease and strokes claim 17.5 million lives each year, resulting in the world’s leading causes of death.
- At least 80% of premature deaths could be avoided by reducing the risk of CVD.
- 14% of people aged between 30 and 70 in South Africa pass away due to CVD.
- CVD deaths worldwide counts for 31%, while 80% of these are in developing countries.
- The World Heart Federation aims to achieve the so-called 25X25<25 – to reduce CVD and those affected by Rheumatic Heart Disease by 25% under the age of 25 years by 2025.
- Almost 1:10 children are affected by congenital heart disease, and it’s the most common birth defect globally.
Use heart for every heart
Beating cardiovascular disease is something that matters to every beating heart. We suggest stopping and considering how to care for your heart –
- Use Heart – It’s the only organ you can hear and feel in your body. It’s the first and, unfortunately, the last sign of life. We encourage you to think differently – making the right decisions and encouraging, helping, and engaging with others. There are only a few things with this potential to unite all of us.
- For Every Heart – The emphasis here is on the word ‘for’. Actions should speak louder than words. Share this article and help us reach as many individuals as possible to help achieve cardiovascular health awareness for every heart with WHD messages.
3 Heart health pillars for 2022 and beyond
- For humanity: More than 75% of CVD deaths occur in low-to middle-income countries, which limits the accessibility to treatment and support. Get involved with local activities and spread awareness to help make a difference in the lives of all humankind.
- For nature: 25% of all CVD deaths are due to air pollution. Contribute to a healthier planet with immediate actions such as walking or cycling instead of taking the car. Support long-term efforts such as clean air legislation for everyone to enjoy a healthier planet.
- For yourself: Psychological stress can contribute twice as much to heart attacks. Resist harmful coping mechanisms and bad habits and invest your time and energy in enough exercise, meditation, and sleep. These are the only ways to lower stress levels and maximise heart health.
World Heart Day Cardio Challenge
Up for a challenge? This is worth taking the day off! We challenge you, with millions of others around the globe, to walk, run or bike a heart shape in your area. Whether alone or in a group (preferably), whatever distance you choose, we want to see your #UseHeart.
- Step 1: Plan your route in the best heart shape possible.
- Step 2: Complete your heart by walking, running, or cycling.
- Step 3: Use Strava to record, upload and share your accomplishment, or upload your photo or screenshot here.
Create a poster
Add your photo and share a short statement about your commitment to heart health using this poster and social media post builder. Share yours throughout September on social media using #WHDAwards2022 and #TrojanHeartHealth. We’ll reshare it, and you’ll be entered into World Heart Day Awards!
Cardio for everyday
Don’t stop now; if you’re taking on a day or monthly challenge for #WHDAwards2022, make this your starting point to incorporate regular cardio exercises into your routine.
Trojan has a selection of quality cardio equipment to choose from to add to your home gym. This way, you can easily work in a quick heart-pumping session at least four times a week.
Browse our selection of…
Get your heart pumping to keep it beating for longer!
