Celebrate Heart Awareness Month this September

SEPTEMBER is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Africa and culminates on World Heart Day on Thursday, 29 September.

Heart disease and strokes are the second biggest killer in South Africa, after HIV/AIDS. Once thought to be a disease of the elderly, heart disease now affects people of working age, with more than half of the deaths occurring in people under the age of 65 years. The lifestyles of people are largely to blame for this growing problem – people eat too much, smoke and drink too much and are not keeping active. Children are particularly vulnerable and influenced by unhealthy environments, and are at risk for heart disease from a young age.

Here are some of the shocking statistics in South Africa:

· South Africa has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure worldwide: one in three adults.

· High blood pressure is a silent killer – 75 percent of people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it.

· One in five children in South Africa smoke.

· One in two adults and a quarter of children in South Africa are overweight.

· 220 people die from heart disease every day.

· 80 percent of these premature deaths can be prevented by eating better, moving more, and avoiding smoking.

In support of Heart Awareness Month, Life Westville Hospital is hosting a variety of free events for the public.

· Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, will be offered at Westville Mall (situated outside Woolworths) from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, 24 September. Life Westville Hospital nursing staff will offer free blood pressure and blood glucose tests and health education.

· There will be free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings at Life Westville Hospital (reception area) on Tuesday, 27 September and Wednesday, 28 September from 9am to 2pm. Nursing sister Rita Naidoo, cardiac rehabilitation unit manager, will be in attendance to provide advice on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and diet.

· Join the Healthy Hearts Walk in Red at Durban’s North Beach on Wednesday, 28 September. People of all ages are invited to join cardiac staff for a brisk fun walk along Durban’s beachfront. The walk takes about 45 minutes and starts at 5.30pm. The group meets outside Circus Circus at North Beach. All you need to do is wear something red, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, a headband or anything else that will add to the fun and spirit of the occasion. The walks take place on the last Wednesday of every month.