USE IS A GLOBAL, UNIVERSAL CALL TO ACTION. It means using our head, influence and compassion to beat cardiovascular disease, the world’s number one killer
Cardiovascular Disease has many causes: from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution, and less common conditions such as Chagas disease and cardiac amyloidosis. World Heart Day on September 29 is an opportunity for everyone to stop and consider how best to use heart for humanity, for nature, and for you.
According to the CDC, about half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Below are resources to help you kick-start your heart health, whether that is increasing your physical activity, changing your diet, getting your cholesterol under control, or quitting smoking.
Before you make any health related changes, be sure to check in with your primary care physician.
HEART DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES
World Heart day 2022
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USE
A video of a young Black boy wearing a red shirt standing on a dirt road while leaning against a used tire.]
USE (heart icon) FOR HUMANITY
[A video of a Black man in a yellow jacket walking his bike through a nature area
USE (heart icon) FOR NATURE
[A video of a Middle Eastern Woman in a hijab laughs and smiles for the camera]
USE (heart icon) for you
[A video of a medical doctor of Indian descent checks the heart rate of an Indian man while another man looks on.]
CHALLENGING INEQUITY IN HEART HEALTHCARE
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USE (incorporating heart icon) FOR HUMANITY
[A man in a black wetsuit walks with a surfboard under his left arm while holding the hand of a young boy in a wetsuit]
FIGHTING AIR POLLUTION NOW, FOR THE HEALTH OF FUTURE GENERATIONS.
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USE (incorporating heart icon) FOR NATURE
[A video of a black man wearing a hat smiles for the camera.]
PRACTICING SELF-CARE FOR OUR OWN HEARTS
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USE (incorporating heart icon) FOR YOU
USE (red pulsating heart icon) FOR EVERY (red pulsating heart icon)
[World Heart Day 29 SEP logo
Discover More worldheartday.org
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HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
HEART HEALTH RESOURCES
PREVENT HEART DISEASE
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The CDC guides you through choosing healthy habits and taking charge of your medical conditions. >>Learn More
KNOW YOUR RISKS
Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. The CDC runs through the various risk factors. >>Learn More
EATING HEALTHY
Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. You don’t need to be a chef to create nutritious, heart-healthy meals your family will love. The American Heart Association guides you through what to look for at the grocery store, restaurants, your workplace and any eating occasion. >>Learn More
FORMING HEALTHY HABITS
Along with eating right and being active, real health includes getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, AND keeping mind and body fit. The American Heart Association has resources to guide you through positive steps to build a healthier life routine. >>Learn More
World Heart Day Health Leaflet
Download this informational guide from the World Heart Federation with tips on eating well, getting active, quitting tobacco. >>Download
FEEA RESOURCES TO HELP JUMP-START YOUR HEALTH
STRETCHING TO START YOUR DAY
Join Dr. Kiersten McCartney from RunYourDays.com as she demonstrates a 5 minute morning stretch routine with 5 stretches that will help improve flexibility and make movement part of your daily routine. This can be especially helpful if you’re usually sitting at a desk all day or have limited mobility. Watch anytime on our FEEA YouTube channel and make this a part of your morning routine. #FedLifeHacks
BEGINNER’S YOGA
Have you ever wanted to try yoga, but didn’t know where to start or felt intimidated? Emily Straight of Radiance Yoga led our virtual Gentle Movement Yoga class as part of our Feds in Motion Challenge in May 2022. Join in with beginner-friendly yoga poses and breathing practices to help calm the mind and support your physical health. With movements you can replicate at home or at your desk. Watch anytime on our FEEA YouTube channel and make this a part of your morning routine. #FedLifeHacks
YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTHY MEAL PREP
Chef Herbert Holden of the University of the District of Columbia’s Center for Nutrition, Diet, and Health led our virtual cooking demonstration during our 2022 Feds in Motion Challenge. During the demonstration, Chef Herb introduced us to easy recipes focused on nutrition, fresh seasonal ingredients, easy preparation, and of course, taste! Along the way, you’ll learn a few kitchen tips and tricks from the chef that will leave you feeling like a pro in the kitchen. Watch anytime on our FEEA YouTube channel and make this a part of your start to healthy and nutritious meals for you and your family. #FedLifeHacks
ADD MOVEMENT TO YOUR DAY WITH THESE 10 EASY EXERCISES
Join Dr. Kiersten McCartney from RunYourDays.com as she demonstrates a 10 exercises you can do anywhere to make movement part of your daily routine. This can be especially helpful if you’re usually sitting at a desk all day or have limited mobility. Watch anytime on our FEEA YouTube and make these movement a part of your daily routine. #FedLifeHacks
Facts and figures courtesy of the CDC
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. About Multiple Cause of Death, 1999–2020. CDC WONDER Online Database website. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2022. Accessed February 21, 2022.
- Tsao CW, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Beaton AZ, Bittencourt MS, Boehme AK, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022;145(8):e153–e639.
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS): household component summary tables: medical conditions, United States. Accessed April 8, 2021.
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