World Heart Federation
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The World Heart Federation, is a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland dedicated to the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 195 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, East Mediterranean, the Americas and Africa.
[edit] Activities
World Heart Day is the World Heart Federation's most important advocacy event aimed at increasing public awareness and promoting preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular disease on a global level. A special day was designated for activities to prevent heart disease and stroke due to the challenge posed by the escalating burden of cardiovascular disease and its implications, particularly in developing countries. Each year it is focused on a specific theme and activities around the world including walks, runs, jump rope, and fitness sessions. It is celebrated on the last Sunday in September every year in more than 100 countries.
Since its creation in 1999, the day has helped to inform the public and policymakers about cardiovascular disease risk factors, healthy lifestyles, and the effectiveness of preventive measures. Activities on the day include health checks, walks, runs, jump rope, fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts and sports tournaments.
The activities are often geared toward the World Heart Day theme which changes yearly. In 2006 the World Heart Day campaign asked: “How Young is Your Heart?” and in 2005 it was all about maintaining a “Healthy weight, Healthy shape.” World Heart Day is co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNESCO and UN Sport for Development and Peace.
Woman and Cardiovascular DiseaseThe World Heart Federation is committed to saving the lives of both men and women, and acknowledges that women's cardiovascular health is an under-recognized aspect of cardiovascular care worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the foremost health challenges for women, just as they are for men.
Women are known to have a different risk profile compared with men, and this has implications for gender differences in risk definition, possible differences in intervention targets and risk modification. Women also have difficulties with access to care.
WHF develops international activities to raise public awareness about the CVD and stroke issue among women.
Children and Youth A healthy heart is vital for living life to the full, regardless of age and gender. Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and smoking are the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. These unhealthy lifestyles are increasingly common among children and teenagers and are being adopted at an alarmingly early age.WHF creates awareness allover the world, to show how important it is for children and youths to have a healthy heart for life.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- Murray CJ, Lopez AD. Alternative projections of mortality and disability by cause 1990–2020: Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet 1997;349:1498–504.
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