Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of deaths globally, according to the World Heart Federation (WHF). The reasons for CVDs are many; from smoking and hypertension to diabetes, and obesity. External factors like air pollution and other diseases can also result in cardiovascular diseases. The pandemic has added to the challenge. Hence, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and tackle these diseases.

The World Heart Day is a perfect platform for medical practitioners, researchers and the entire health and the Cardio vascular diseases community to unite and fight against cardiovascular diseases. Here is all you need to know about world heart day.

World Heart Day is celebrated all over the globe on the 29th of September. This global heart day aims to bring attention to cardiovascular health issues and encourage healthy living.

It is considered the biggest opportunity for raising awareness about cardiovascular health and diseases.The WHF has decided to inform, educate and make people aware about the importance of a healthy heart on this day. It makes people aware and also informs them of the actions that they can take to ensure that they stay healthy.

The World Heart Day is celebrated for spreading awareness about heart diseases and how you can contract them and preventive measures for a healthy heart day lifestyle. It does this by raising awareness on social media platforms via videos, campaigns, infographics and other online engagement tools like hashtags, seminars and talks.

WHF also works to spread awareness on the ground via workshops, seminars, screenings and campaigns in association with the governments of the countries and various NGOs.

The WHF has come up with a campaign- ‘Use heart to beat cardiovascular diseases’ for the World Heart Day 2020. The WHFlists things that you can do in order to do your bit for World Heart Day.

• Understand how you can keep your heart healthy and act on it. Make necessary changes in your lifestyle to work towards improving your heart health.
• Use your influence to raise awareness about issues related to cardiovascular health.
• If you are a healthcare professional, educate your patients about making positive changes in their lives in order to keep their heart healthy.
• If you are an employer, you can raise awareness in your employees, and invest in their heart-health.
• The government, too, can implement initiatives and policies to improve the heart health of the society. It can levy sugar taxes, tobacco taxes, air pollution and smoking bans, and fines in order to make the environment safer and conducive to maintaining a healthy heart.
• You can act selflessly to support those with underlying heart conditions, which may put them more at risk in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has become more important than ever to be conscious of your lifestyle and care for your heart. Inculcate healthy habits, eat healthy food, and stay active. You should also keep on monitoring your heart health and go for medical check-ups regularly. Make yourselves aware about the signs and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. Learn about CPR and other first aid measures that can help in case of a cardiac arrest. These tips can help keep your heart healthy and fulfill the mission of World Cardiac Day.

Festivals are incomplete without meeting relatives and friends. However, given the current circumstances, you should avoid social visits at all costs. So, how do you celebrate festivals in lockdown? You can organise virtual parties. You can connect with your family members and friends via video calls. Host a virtual lunch or dinner party where everyone can enjoy their meals at their own places at the same time. You can also play games or other fun activities which can be carried out virtually or just engage in casual banter. Watch the distances melt away as you revel in the festive spirit.

Cleaning and decorating your house forms a major part of preparing for any festival. There is no reason to skimp on it now. After cleaning the house, give your house a festive look by decorating it. You can change the curtains and the cushion covers. You can put on home decor lights to add to the cheer. If you do not have them lying around, you can shop for them online. You can also give it a unique theme. If you are in two minds about celebrating festivals in lockdown, do not worry; decorating your house will definitely help beat the lockdown gloom

Festivals can help take your mind off the worries of the pandemic. You can celebrate and enjoy to your heart’s content. However, remember to adhere to the social distancing norms and other safety guidelines issued by the government while celebrating festivals in the lockdown.

Also, know the important tips to stay healthy during quarantine.