UEFA backs World Heart Day

UEFA is pleased to be giving its backing to the World Heart Federation’s World Heart day this weekend.

Preventing heart disease
Physical inactivity doubles your chance of developing heart disease and stroke, warns the World Heart Federation, an Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to the global prevention of heart disease and strokes, in a message for World Heart Day. Lack of exercise may be as dangerous for the heart as smoking a packet of cigarettes every day.

Unhealthy lifestyles
Children are increasingly adopting unhealthy lifestyles and the leading causes of heart disease and strokes, which are obesity, poor diets, smoking and physical inactivity, are being seen at an alarmingly early age. It is estimated that two-thirds of children worldwide are insufficiently active for their health. To bring attention to this situation, World Heart Day this year focuses on children, adolescents and heart disease.

UEFA’s support
Positive action on lifestyle, including sport and physical exercise, can play an important part in tackling the increase in chronic diseases and rising obesity levels, particularly among children. UEFA's support of World Heart Day is motivated by the opportunity it provides to promote a healthy lifestyle through football which, after all, is one of the greatest ways to encourage children to choose exercise over high-tech toys to burn off calories and have fun.

World Heart Day events
During World Heart Day, World Heart Federation national organisations are carrying out activities in over 100 countries to encourage children and their parents to take more exercise. These will include walks and runs, rope-jumping and aerobic demonstrations and, of course, football matches. There are also opportunities to have a health check and learn about healthy lifestyles by attending the public talks, scientific forums and exhibitions.

Physical activity
“Children and adolescents who have balanced, nutritious diets, exercise regularly and resist the pressure to start smoking, should grow into fit, healthy adults. Increasing levels of physical activity is an immediate priority. Governments and communities need to be encouraged to develop sports facilities thereby helping to create a healthy environment for our children.” said Ms Janet Voûte, CEO of the World Heart Federation.

Healthy hearts
A healthy heart is vital for living life to the full, which is why the World Heart Federation created World Heart Day. The aim is to increase awareness of the threat of heart disease and strokes and the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle, so that children, adolescents and adults all over the world can live better and longer.

To find out what activities will be taking place locally to you on World Heart Day, go to www.worldheartday.com