CPR Training in Raleigh for World Heart Day 2019This year, our Raleigh CPR training facility is excited to spread awareness for World Heart Day 2019! This day sparks a massive campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes both chronic and sudden onset illness, including  strokes, congenital heart disease, and heart attacks. World Heart Day is the largest global event to  increase awareness and spark positive change regarding heart health, and we are excited to do our part to share information and awareness about this campaign.  

The Founding and History of World Heart Day

In 1999, Antoni Bayés de Luna, the president of the World Heart Federation (WHF) at the time, wanted to dedicate one day each year to raising awareness around the world regarding cardiovascular diseases. The WHF, in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Heart Day. While the overall focus is to inform people around the world about CVD and its impacts both locally and globally, each year’s World Heart Day has a specific theme. 

The first World Heart Day was held September 24, 2000 and had the theme of “Physical Activity.” Themes in later years include “Women and Heart Disease,” and “Love Your Heart.” Though it was originally observed on the final Sunday of September, it was changed to a permanent date of September 29th. 

The Need for Cardiovascular Disease Awareness

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly 18 million people, and 31 percent, of all deaths each year are attributed to cardiovascular disease, whether that is from a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or other illness. 

In many cases, CVD can be prevented through lifestyle changes. The greatest lifestyle contributors to cardiovascular disease include: 

  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Sedentary lifestyle

World Heart Day seeks to inspire people to reduce their risk factors, know the signs and symptoms of CVD, and live healthier lives. 

Celebrating World Heart Day 2019

Over 100 countries and 200 members around the world connect to build a global commitment to reducing CVD. The theme for World Heart Day 2019 is “My Heart, Your Heart,” and is about “creating a global community of Heart Heroes,” so, no matter where you’re from, or who you are, you can be proactive toward heart healthy living and initiatives.

According to the World Heart Day 2019 website, the promise is simple, and it starts by “making a promise: 

  • A promise to our families to cook and eat more healthily
  • A promise to our children to  exercise more and help them to be more active, to say no to smoking and help our loved ones to stop
  • A promise as a healthcare professional to help patients give up smoking and lower their cholesterol
  • A promise as a policymaker to support policies that promote healthy hearts
  • A promise as an employee to invest in heart-healthy workplaces

A simple promise … for MY HEART, for YOUR HEART, for ALL OUR HEARTS.”

Taking CPR Classes for World Heart Day

We want to encourage everyone to not only take this promise to prevent CVD, but to get CPR training so you can give someone a second chance at living.   While the focus is on prevention and ending cardiovascular disease, it’s also important to save the lives of people who have it, such as those suffering from a heart attack or recognizing the signs of a stroke.  

Contact Us for Raleigh CPR Training for World Heart Day

If you’re ready to do your part to end cardiovascular disease, take the promise, get your CPR certification, and become a Heart Hero! Check out our CPR class schedule at our Raleigh center, and if you would like training for your organization, we offer on-site training. Contact us today at (919) 639-4848 or fill out our convenient contact form to learn more!