This year’s World Heart Day on Monday 29 September has the theme ‘Don’t Miss A Beat’. The World Heart Federation, which organises the Day, explains the theme: ‘Loved ones around the world are missing out on time they should still have to spend together due to early deaths from CVD.’ This year’s Day focuses on efforts to improve access to treatment for high blood pressure, and reduce heart health inequities through better funding for CVD care.
Although most of the focus is on the Day itself, the campaign is running throughout September and has the aim of putting pressure on the UN High-Level meeting on Thursday 25 September, part of which is intended to set a new vision for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The campaign offers opportunities for individual healthcare professionals and organisations to get involved, from telling powerful stories, using social media, signing the petition and taking up the personal movement challenge. As usual, it is encouraging organisations with signature buildings to ‘light up red’ for World Heart Day.
Petition
The international petition calls on governments across the world to act now and commit to helping some 500 million more people get the early treatment they need to prevent heart disease by 2030, and make a dedicated action plan for cardiovascular health. Read more and sign the petition >
The individual challenge
The campaign invites you to ‘challenge yourself to 25 minutes of movement a day in September and use movement, nutrition and mindfulness on World Heart Day to keep the beat!’ Find out more >
Working with local organisations
As one in three people are not moving enough, World Heart Day can act as a catalyst or inspiration for local groups and sports clubs to encourage more people to get active. The campaign includes actionable ideas here >
Campaign resources
The WHF has made a wide variety of free campaign materials available to non-profit organisations, including templates to help you create your own social media, posters and other material, both digital and printed. And don’t forget to tell WHF about your activities!