The world’s, and the world heart federation’s, biggest awareness-raising platform for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is World Heart Day which is celebrated every year on 29^th September.

As the world continues with the struggles of COVID-19, the importance of our and our loved one’s health is at the front of our minds. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s number one killer, resulting in 18.6 million deaths a year. It has many causes: from smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, to air pollution.

USE HEART TO CONNECT is about using your knowledge, compassion and influence to make sure you, your loved ones and the communities you’re part of have the best chance to live heart-healthy lives. It’s about connecting with our own hearts, making sure we’re fuelling and nurturing them as best we can, and using the power of digital to connect every heart, everywhere.

THREE KEY PILLARS

1. EQUITY

Disconnected hearts are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke due to lack of access to CVD prevention, treatment and control – yet half the world’s population doesn’t have access to internet connectivity.

Here in LifeTime we have free access to computers along with volunteer 1to1 support, so you no longer need to feel you are getting left behind in the digital world.

Digital skill can help you,  access health care and stay connected with family and friends.

2. PREVENTION

Look after your heart is vital eating a healthy diet, saying no to tobacco and getting plenty of exercise are all positive changes that can help to reduce CVD. Digital tools, like apps on your phone and wearable fitness trackers, can really help you to get motivated and stay on track.

Here in LifeTime we offer a range of both community and virtual activities to keep you active –  from our dance workouts which  are great to get your moving whilst having fun, to Yoga which can improve your strength, balance and flexibility.

 

3. COMMUNITY

There are 520 million people globally living with CVD that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in the last year. Due to increased vulnerability to more severe forms of COVID-19, this population has been told they are vulnerable and at-risk:

This then has many consequences, amongst them:

• Missing medical appointments
• Lack of contact with family and friends
• Reduced physical exercise

Having a good digital network can be just the key to keep yourself going, connecting with family and friends, attending virtual appointments and support groups. No one should have to feel alone, pandemic or not, so let’s use technology to help overcome isolation.

For more information on What’s on in LifeTime and ways in which you can keep connected, active and learning both in the community and virtually you can download a copy of our timetable here  or contact the LifeTime Team on 01925 246824  email mail@lifetimegateway.org.uk

For more information and resources for World Heart Day, follow the link below:

https://world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/

 

#UseHeart #WorldHeartDay #WHDAwards2021