Take care of your heart
The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa urges the community to be heart healthy this Heart Awareness Month, and will host numerous events to commemorate this.
CELEBRATED annually in September, Heart Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in South Africa and culminates in World Heart Day on 29 September.
According to The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, heart disease and strokes is 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 the deaths occurring in people under the age of 65 years. Our lifestyles are largely to blame for this growing problem – we eat too much, smoke and drink too much and are not keeping active. Our children are particularly vulnerable and influenced by our unhealthy environments and are at risk for heart disease from a young age.
Life Healthcare hospitals in Durban will host heart awareness events during September, with free screenings on Tuesday, 27 September and Wednesday, 28 September from 9am to 2pm at Life Westville Hospital (reception area). Sr Rita Naidoo will be in attendance to provide advice on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and diet. Free blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings will be available.
In support of World Heart Day, free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be offered on Saturday, 24 September by Life Entabeni Hospital at Musgrave Centre (in the promotional area outside Red Square) from 8am to 5pm.
On Monday, 19 September from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Life Westville Hospital is hosting a talk by cardiologist, Dr Pumeshen Bisetty entitled Heart Failure.
New members are welcome. Contact Rita Naidoo on 031 251 6869 or Dana Govender on 031 261 9055 or email: dana@heartfoundation.co.za
The Healthy Hearts Walk in Red event will be on Wednesday, 28 September at Durban’s North Beach. People of all ages are invited to join cardiac staff for a brisk fun walk along Durban’s beachfront. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes and starts at 5.30pm. The group meets outside Circus Circus at North Beach and the walk is free of charge. 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.
Contact Sr Rita Naidoo at Life Westville Hospital on 031 251 6894.
