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22 January 2007
We begin to age from the moment we are born, but if we choose we can improve our chances of ageing like vintage wine, becoming stronger and more valuable with each passing year.
The most important part of your body to look after is your heart. Globally the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to increase and it is projected that the number of deaths from CVD per year will reach 20 million by 2020 and 24 million by 2030.
The first organ to develop is the heart - the first contact a mother-to-be has with her unborn child. But to grow that heart and keep it strong throughout your life there has to be awareness of heart risks and the right care.
The young tend to think they are invincible as it's hard to think of life over 50, let alone retirement. Energy is poured into your career and family, but without taking care of yourself you may have a difficult future with high medical expenses and sickness, making retirement difficult and something to dread.
For this reason, the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA has launched its Challenge Complacency Campaign to create awareness of heart disease, the importance of establishing cardiac status, eating 'heart healthy foods' and incorporating exercise into daily lives. In financial terms, this could mean major savings on medical expenses in retirement.
According to Professor Jerry Avorn, Professor of Medicine at Harvard and author of Powerful Medicines, for the cost of a walk a day, you might be able to prolong or avoid altogether taking blood pressure drugs or cholesterol medications, for which you could spend a great part of your budget. "It's good for health as well as for your wallet."
Many people think that as long as they have medical aid they will be fine - but the reality is that many companies won't cover the complete cost of medicines for chronic illness and what you think you've put away for your retirement may go towards keeping you alive.
We have cardiologists and experts in this field ready to be interviewed and give any information needed to get this message across to your readers, as well as ordinary South Africans who have suffered from heart disease and are happy to share their stories.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Kearney,
Project Director: Communications & Public Relations,
The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA
+27-21-447 4222 -
email: michelle@heartfoundation.co.za
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