28 Sep Football Supports World Heart Day 2018
On behalf of World Heart Federation, Healthy Stadia has worked alongside UEFA and the European football family to promote World Heart Day 2018, the world’s largest cardiovascular disease prevention campaign, held on 29 September each year.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of premature death, claiming 17.7 million lives each year – a number that we can reduce significantly by raising awareness of the disease and supporting individuals to make small changes to their lifestyles.
But many individuals struggle to make positive changes that can help prevent CVD from developing.
That’s why this year’s campaign theme is: My Heart, Your Heart. By working as part of a team, we can support our friends, family and work colleagues to make small changes to our lifestyles that can have a big impact not only on our own heart health, making us happier and healthier, but also heart health globally.
In 2018, Healthy Stadia has supported UEFA and over 30 of its Member Associations leading up to World Heart Day 2018, to help maximise their impact. Through the power of football, UEFA Member Associations will encourage their fans, local communities and businesses to make a heart promise – a commitment to changing the way we all live, work and play – through matchday activities, community actions and campaigning on social media.
Together with UEFA, World Heart Federation and the European football family, we’re asking individuals to consider:
Being more physically active: to maintain an active lifestyle, adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times per week. Playing football is only one way to achieve this!
Eating a balanced diet: many food and drink products contain high amounts of fat, salt and / or sugar. We should all aim to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce the amount of junk food, confectionery and sugary drinks we have.
Stopping smoking: Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of developing CVD, but it also reduces the amount of second-hand smoke that people around you inhale. Individuals should seek professional support to help them quit smoking.
Drinking sensibly: When consumed in excess, alcohol can contribute to acute and long-term health problems. However, when consumed in moderation, alcohol can enhance social experiences.
How you can help
Join the cause and share your healthy heart promise by taking a photo performing the < ♥ > gesture and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #WorldHeartDay.
You can keep up to date with World Heart Day on social media by following these accounts:
- Facebook: /worldheartday
- Twitter: @worldheartfed
- Instagram: @worldheartday
