World Heart Day on Sunday

The annual World Heart Day celebrates its 10 year anniversary this Sunday, September 26. The World Heart Day was created to promote heart health and inform people across the globe the unconceivable truth; that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death. Each year, the disease causes more than 17 million lives!

In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) the World Heart Federation organizes events in 100 countries, with the aim of spreading awareness of heart diseases through health checkups, organized walks and lectures by healthcare professionals.

Even though major risk factors of heart disease, such as age, genes and family history, are beyond control, there are still a few key steps you can adopt towards reducing your risk of heart problems and increasing your health.

• Do not smoke – Smoking increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 50% or more.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet – control your salt and fat intake to keep the blood cholesterol level in shape. Control your sodium intake, as too much sodium can increase the blood pressure, resulting in a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Have an active lifestyle and keep a healthy weight – with 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day you can reduce blood pressure levels and keep your weight.
• Limit your alcohol intake – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain and with that high blood pressure.
• Go for regular health checkups – High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels.
• Encourage stress-free moments – High levels of stress is linked to an elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Establish a regular sleep schedule and regular relaxing activities.

Remember, if you take care of your heart, it will take care of you!!

Happy World Heart Day!

World Kidney Day 11th of March

On the 11th of March this year World Kidney Day is celebrated, as a health awareness campaign aimed at improving the knowledge of kidneys and to cut the rate of kidney disease.

This year, the campaign will focus on Diabetes as the most important cause of Chronic Kidney Disease, and has the theme: “Protect your Kidneys, Control Diabetes”. The campaign is a combined initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), with the aim of spreading the message that kidney diseases are common and should not be ignored as they then can cause immense harm to human lives. The bright side is that kidney diseases in most cases are treatable.

Below is a list of 10 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys in Top Health

• Control your weight
• Check your blood pressure and cholesterol frequently
• Supervise your blood glucose
• Don’t overuse over-the-counter painkillers
• Do an annual physical exam
• Exercise regularly
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a healthy diet
• If diabetes or chronic kidney disease runs in your family you might be at risk, so be even more precaucious about the above