This year Football Federation of Macedonia is supporting World Heart Day, the world’s largest campaign for raising awareness about cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, and to educate people on the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.

Held each year on 29^th September, World Heart Day is organised by the World Heart Federation and is supported by UEFA and their official health partner Healthy Stadia. Working together with the European football family, we can make a significant contribution to reducing premature mortality and disability caused by CVD.

The campaign theme for World Heart Day 2018 is: My Heart, Your Heart. Your heart powers your whole body – that’s why it is so important to look after it. But looking after your own heart can be difficult.

This year, the World Heart Federation is asking individuals to make a heart promise – a commitment to changing the way we live to keep our hearts healthy. Because every heartbeat matters.

By working as part of a team with friends, family and work colleagues we can all help one another to make small changes to our lifestyles that can have a big impact on our own heart health but also heart health globally.

Small changes, such as exercising more regularly, eating a balanced diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking can help to prevent CVD from developing in the first place. If we support and encourage one another, we’re far more likely to tackle our bad habits and stay committed to our own heart promise.

Together with UEFA, Healthy Stadia and World Heart Federation, we’re asking individuals to consider:

Being more physically active: to maintain an active lifestyle, adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times per week. Playing football is only one way to achieve this!

Eating a balanced diet: many food and drink products contain high amounts of fat, salt and / or sugar. We should all aim to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce the amount of junk food, confectionary and sugary drinks we have.

Stopping smoking: Quitting tobacco reduces your risk of developing CVD, but it also reduces the amount of second-hand smoke that people around you inhale. Individuals should seek professional support to help them quit smoking.

Drinking sensibly: When consumed in excess, alcohol can contribute to acute and long-term health problems. However, when consumed in moderation, alcohol can enhance social experiences.

How you can help

Join the cause and share your healthy heart promise by taking a photo performing the < ♥> gesture and sharing it on social media using the hashtag #WorldHeartDay.

You can keep up to date with World Heart Day on social media by following these accounts:

·  Facebook:  /worldheartday

·  Twitter:  @worldheartfed

·  Instagram:  @worldheartday