Who is the number one killer?

It is true that ‘sharks like to bite you,’ but they only bite about 6 people per year worldwide, while the number one killer can claim the lives of over 20.5 million people annually.

• “Heart disease” is a severe illness that accounts for 12.2% of global mortality causes.
• Thais die from heart and vascular diseases 2 people per hour!!! Or approximately 37,000 people per year.

    World Heart Federation therefore campaigns for everyone to recognize the importance of heart care continuously. In 2023, it is themed Use Heart, Know Heart. Knowing your own heart will make you more aware of its importance and willing to take care of it more effectively.   We can take care of our hearts by “using our hearts correctly in three ways”:

1. (Use your heart) Choose your diet

• Eat one serving of vegetables or fruits per day (fresh, frozen, or dried is fine).
• Choose to drink water, reduce and quit sweetened beverages.
• Switch from sweets to fresh fruits.
• Consume alcohol within the recommended amount by doctors.
• Limit the intake of pickled foods that are salty, sweet, and high in fat.
• Frequently prepare food and seek heart-friendly menus.

 

2. (Use your heart) Move your body

• Exercise at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
• Or perform vigorous exercise (running fast, cycling fast, which makes your heart beat very fast and you breathe much quicker to the point you can’t speak in sentences) for 75 minutes a week.
• Go for a walk, do housework, or dance.

 

3. (Use your heart) Determined to quit smoking

• Quitting smoking is equivalent to promoting health for yourself and those around you.
• Risk of heart and vascular diseases will gradually decrease after quitting smoking for 2 years.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke is also a cause of heart disease for non-smokers.
• If you encounter issues quitting smoking, you can immediately seek advice from an expert.