World Heart Day, is celebrated on September 29 to spread awareness around cardiovascular diseases and reduce the global disease burden.
It is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others.
HISTORY
It was launched in 2000 by the World Heart Federation as an annual event that was planned to be taking place every last Sunday of September. However, they decided to fix it on every 29th day of September and it has been celebrated on that day ever since.
The day is commemorated to promote different preventative steps and changes in lifestyle to avoid any cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and any other condition related to the same. On average, more than 17 million people die from heat-related illnesses every year. This is more than that of people who die from HIV, malaria, and cancer.
CELEBRATIONS
Both governmental and non-governmental organizations celebrate this day from all over the globe. They do this by organizing activities like marathons, walks, public talks, fitness sessions, exhibitions, and science fairs. Some landmarks, monuments, and famous buildings choose to go red on this day as a show of cardiovascular disease awareness.