Celebrating World Heart Day 2024: Taking Action to improve the Cardiovascular Health

World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29th. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promoting heart health. Heart, a symbol of life and vitality, plays an irreplaceable role in our physical well-being. It pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to every organ. However, heart health often goes unnoticed until problems arise, which is why awareness is vital. Established by the World Heart Federation, this day emphasizes the importance of heart health and educates people on preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). With millions of lives lost annually due to heart-related issues, this global campaign is more crucial than ever.

The World Heart Day theme 2024: ‘Use Heart for Action’

World Heart Day theme 2024, “Use Heart for Action” sets the stage for a proactive approach to cardiovascular health. This theme, extending from 2024 to 2026, focuses on motivating individuals and nations to take action. The World Heart Federation urges both personal and global responsibility- encouraging people to care for their own hearts while also pushing policymakers to prioritize national cardiovascular health action plans.

The campaign stresses the importance of “action”—which signifies a deliberate shift from awareness to empowerment with clear objectives. It aims to influence policies while advocating for behavior change, including increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Heart health has long been under-prioritized in many countries, with insufficient or non-existent policies for CVD. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation aspires to motivate global efforts that foster collaboration, aiming to improve public health strategies and establish sustainable heart health programs. This collective action is a rallying call: HEART YES!

A History of World Heart Day

World Heart Day was first observed in 2000, launched by the World Heart Federation to combat the increasing cases of heart disease and stroke worldwide. It is now celebrated every September 29th, providing a global platform to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Since its inception, the day has grown into a widespread movement, reaching over 100 countries. With activities ranging from educational programs to public screenings and fitness events, World Heart Day has consistently inspired both individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and be proactive about their heart health.

Why World Heart Day Matters?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, with nearly 20 million people losing their lives to heart-related conditions each year. World Heart Day is a vital observance to remind us that most CVD cases are preventable through lifestyle changes and medical intervention. The day also serves as a rallying cry for public health systems to invest in prevention programs, heart health education, and accessible medical care. By celebrating this day, the world unites in its mission to reduce CVD risk and save lives, highlighting the importance of early detection, healthy habits, and regular checkups.

The Importance of the Cardiovascular Health

Our hearts are responsible for the uninterrupted flow of life, but they are often taken for granted. Poor lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress, contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. A dedicated day to heart health serves to remind individuals about the long-term consequences of neglecting their cardiovascular system. World Heart Day brings much-needed attention to the heart’s essential role in overall well-being, urging people to make informed decisions about their health. Preventative measures, routine checkups, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ways to improve cardiovascular health: simple steps for a big impact

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on eating heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars.
2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging, to keep your heart strong and improve circulation.
3. Quit Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking improves heart health almost immediately and reduces long-term cardiovascular risks.
4. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health, leading to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
5. Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to heart disease. Regular monitoring and controlling blood pressure through medication, diet, and exercise can help reduce risks.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy body weight reduces the strain on the heart and lowers the risk of conditions like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which can affect heart health.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and lead to heart failure or stroke. Refraining from alcohol consumption is the key to maintaining a healthy heart.
8. Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health, including heart health. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow the body to rest and recover.
9. Reduce Salt Intake: Consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of heart disease. Opt for low-sodium options and use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt.
10. Regular Health Checkups: Routine medical checkups, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose level screenings, can help detect early signs of heart disease and prevent complications.

Initiatives by Dera Sacha Sauda for an improved Heart Health

• TRUE HAPPY: ‘Heart Attack Prevention Program for You’

Dera Sacha Sauda, under the guidance of Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, has launched the TRUE HAPPY initiative, which stands for ‘Heart Attack Prevention Program for You’, focusing on preventing heart attacks through free checkups and a holistic approach to heart health. The project offers heart screenings and promotes a lifestyle centered on healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management providing a comprehensive plan to safeguard the heart.

• Heart: The Healthy Heart Campaign

Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan introduced the Healthy Heart Campaign, which emphasizes maintaining heart health through simple yet impactful steps. The acronym HEART stands for:

H – Happy by Meditation: Incorporating daily meditation to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

E – Exercise: Practicing bouncy jogging and maximal exercise for a few minutes each day to keep the heart active.

A – Avoid Sugar, Fried, and Junk Food: Promoting a healthy diet to avoid foods that increase heart disease risk.

R – Regular Check-up: Encouraging routine health checkups to monitor blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.

T – Totally Stop Smoking and Alcohol: Advocating for a tobacco and alcohol free lifestyle to protect heart health.

This campaign focuses on comprehensive care, integrating mental and physical health, regular monitoring, and dietary discipline to ensure heart wellness. The campaign also highlights the role of community support, where collective efforts can lead to healthier societies.

• THINK: A Crusade for Heart-Healthy Eating

The THINK initiative, which stands for Telling People to Eat Healthy Food to Increase Natural Immunity against Many Kinds of Cancer & Heart Diseases, is another project by Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan aimed at promoting heart health. Through the THINK campaign, Dera Sacha Sauda aims to promote healthy eating habits that boost natural immunity against cancer and heart diseases. By educating people on the importance of a balanced diet, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, the campaign encourages individuals to make food choices that strengthen their cardiovascular system and overall health. THINK serves as a powerful reminder that what we eat directly impacts our heart.

Uniting for a Heart-Healthy Future

World Heart Day offers an opportunity to collectively prioritize cardiovascular health, ensuring that governments, healthcare systems, and individuals work together for a heart-healthy future. Initiatives like those by Dera Sacha Sauda, which focus on prevention, awareness, and holistic approaches to heart health, exemplify the power of action. As we celebrate World Heart Day 2024, let us all be reminded that the heart is the engine of life, and with the right care and commitment, we can protect it for years to come. Together, let’s use heart for action!