FABIO SUPPORTS WORLD HEART DAY

Controlling major risk factors such as physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and tobacco use could prevent 80% of heart disease and stroke1and help keep the heart healthy. This is why this year's World Heart Day campaign asks: “How Young is Your Heart?”

“I know my heart is the strongest, most important muscle in my body and a winning performance depends on its vitality,” explains Fabio Cannavaro, Italian Captain of FIFA World Cup Champions. “Having a healthy diet and taking regular exercise will help to keep my heart young and my career long.”

World Heart Day is run by the World Heart Federation's member organizations in more than 100 countries. Activities on the day include health checks, walks, runs, jump rope, fitness sessions, public talks, stage shows, scientific forums, exhibitions, concerts and sports tournaments. Last year in Singapore for example, a World Heart Day heart fair attracted over 60,000 participants who took part in health screenings, aerobics classes, health quizzes, exhibits, school performances, nutritional counselling and food sampling. Similar events will be taking place this year asking participants: “How Young is Your Heart?”

To find out what activities will be taking place in each country on World Heart Day visit: http://www.worldheartday.com.

About the World Heart Federation

The World Heart Federation, a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, is committed to helping the global population achieve a longer and better life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. It is comprised of 189 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and Africa. For further information visit: http://www.worldheart.org

1 Preventing Chronic Disease, a Vital Investment: WHO Report published 2005
2 Tanasescu M et al. JAMA 2002 October 23, 288: 1994-2000
3 Hu et al Stroke 2005;36:1994-1999
4 Mamun AA et al. Eur Heart J. 2004 Mar;25(5):409-15
5 Law et al BMJ 1997 October 18, 315:973-980
6 Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General US Department of Health and Human Services. June 2006