WORLD HEART DAY 2007 TO TOUT TEAM ASPECT OF HEART HEALTHAlthough the next World Heart Day is not until Sunday, 30 September 2007, planning for it is already well under way. This year’s theme is “Healthy Families, Healthy Communities.” This year’s slogan is “Team Up for Healthy Hearts!” The choice of theme and slogan was determined by a desire to emphasize the community aspect of heart health. One of the best ways to keep one’s heart healthy is through teamwork. People who eat nutritious meals and take exercise together, and who work and reside in smoke-free environments, can expect significantly to decrease their risks of a heart attack or stroke. The community effort to improve heart health can extend to asking schools and employers to offer more exercise opportunities and healthier cafeteria foods. Architects and urban designers can be encouraged to provide more spaces for walking, bicycling and playing. Stores can be urged to stock healthier foods and schools to substitute fruits and fruit juices for sugar- and calorie-laden candies and soft drinks. Last year’s World Heart Day theme was “How Young is Your Heart?” Since the first World Heart Day was celebrated in 2000, it has become an internationally recognized event with celebrations taking place in scores of countries. View the World Heart Day website | |||||||
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