HSFSA gears up for Heart Awareness Month
Cari Erasmus speaks to the public about healthy behaviours.
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The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) is marking Heart Awareness Month HAM this September with a focus on reducing premature deaths and disabilities caused by heart disease and stroke.
HAM is one of the key awareness campaigns at the foundation, focusing on knowledge dissemination, awareness raising, and other health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
Sister Thembeka Shezi and Sister Juandre Watson conducting free health screenings.
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Themba Mzondi, spokesperson for the foundation, said: “We believe that every heartbeat counts and hence we mobilise with our local and global partners and donors to raise the profile of this devastating but preventable condition.”
According to a statement by HSFSA, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa and worldwide. Most CVDs can be prevented by addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Early detection also allows for timely treatment and prevention.
“These surgical interventions, in the most part, could have been avoided by early detection and behaviour modification,” Mr Mzondi said, referring to cardiothoracic surgeries that are often required for blocked arteries, valve disease, and other heart conditions.
Registered dieticians Cari Erasmus and Shonisani Nephalama are ready to discuss best eating habits.
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This month, HSFSA will highlight cardiothoracic surgery, policy frameworks for cardiovascular disease reduction, and prevention strategies. Over four weeks, it will focus on the burden of cardiovascular disease, cardiothoracic interventions, the role of multidisciplinary teams, and cumulative risk factors.
Professor Pamela Naidoo, chief executive officer of HSFSA, said the foundation would also highlight the impact of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health in 2025, which takes place on Thursday, September 25.
Ms Naidoo said, “This would be a pivotal point in the reduction of the CVD burden in South Africa and globally.”
The foundation will run a month-long campaign under the global World Heart Federation theme, 'Don’t Miss a Beat', leading up to World Heart Day on Monday, September 29. Over this period, the foundation will be discussing key related themes under the following headings:
- Week 1 - Burden of Cardiovascular disease;
- Week 2 - Cardiothoracic interventions;
- Week 3 - The role of the Multidisciplinary Team before and after surgery; and
- Week 4 - Cumulative Risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
For more information, visit www.heartfoundation.co.za or follow them on social media