The Council will light up their Civic Buildings Red tonight in support of National Heart Month which runs throughout February.
Leading health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, has expressed increasing concern about the effects of lockdown-life on the physical and mental health of the community. With overeating, stress, alcohol consumption and inactivity all on the rise, the pandemic is taking a serious toll on our health, and in particular, on our hearts.
During National Heart Month, the charity is strongly urging people to consider their cardiovascular health – its ‘Step by Step’ campaign encourages people to take 7 active steps towards a healthier, stronger heart:
♥ Check-up: Sign up for an Online Health Check through the NICHS website
♥ Physical Activity: Increase your steps
♥ Nutrition: Follow a healthy and balanced diet
♥ Alcohol: Cut back
♥ Smoking: Quit smoking
♥ Wellbeing: Look after your mental health & get enough sleep
♥ Know the signs of a Heart Attack
Statistic show that 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children in Northern Ireland are already obese and nearly half (45%) of the population are not getting enough daily exercise or eating healthily.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am pleased the Council are supporting this campaign. I was shocked to learn that it is estimated that 17 people suffer a heart attack each day in Northern Ireland and approx. 225,000 are living with a heart disease. However, making small changes to our lifestyle can help reduce the risk of heart disease. This is our chance to ‘Step up to the mark’ and make those changes today.”
For more information on all 7 steps, and practical advice on improving your heart health, visit nichs.org.uk. And, to take the very first step towards a healthier heart, book a FREE online health check through the NICHS website today:
NICHS Booking System (CODE: HEART). Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
