Celebrate World Heart Day by Caring for Yours

As we celebrate World Heart Day on September 29, it's a perfect reminder to take a moment and think about your heart—literally. Our hearts work tirelessly for us every single day, and while we may not always think about it, heart health is something we should never take for granted.

In my years as a CPR and safety instructor, I've seen firsthand how critical it is to recognize the importance of heart health and be prepared for emergencies. The scary truth is, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. American Heart Association estimates approximately 436,000 people will die this year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA),

But the good news? Many heart conditions are preventable. It Is why World Heart Day is so important—it helps raise awareness and empowers us to take control of our heart health.

How You Can Protect Your Heart

Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with small, manageable changes in your daily life:

• Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Opt for healthy proteins such as chicken, fish, grass fed beef, tofu, healthy fats such as avocado and olive oil, whole foods such as vegetables and fruits. Trying to stay away from processed or fast foods as much as possible.

• Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Whether it's walking, biking, swimming, dancing, gardening, strength training, or marching in place, your heart will thank you. All forms of exercise count towards making your heart healthy.

• Know Your Numbers: Regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels helps you stay on top of your heart health.

• Avoid tobacco: Cigarette and cigar smoking, vaping, and spit tobacco are all equally as hazardous to your health. Tobacco users have a 70% greater chance of a sudden death heart attack.

• Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption. The myth that a glass of red wine is good for your heart has been dispelled as not factually correct.

Be Prepared for Heart Emergencies

Despite our best efforts, emergencies can happen. That's why knowing how to perform CPR and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is crucial. These life-saving techniques can double or even triple someone’s chances of survival during a cardiac event.

I’ve trained countless people in CPR, and I can’t emphasize enough how empowering it feels to know that if an emergency strikes, you can make a difference. It’s not just about reacting when something happens—it’s about being prepared if you’re ever faced with a situation to save someone else’s life.

World Heart Day is a great opportunity to remind yourself and those around you about the importance of heart health. Whether it's learning CPR, making heart-healthy choices, or encouraging others to take care of themselves, every step counts.