World Heart Day 2023: HSE promotes steps to a healthy heart information

HSE, alongside the Integrated Care Cardiology Team from the Benbulbin Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Hub Sligo, is hosting a free information evening to shed light on the importance of prevention of cardiovascular disease. 

To mark World Heart Day, CDM is promoting the ‘Steps to a Healthy Heart Information Evening’ event, which will take place on Tuesday, September 26, at Clayton Hotel Sligo from 7-9pm. 

World Heart Day is the world’s largest heart disease prevention campaign and is celebrated each year in September.

HSE says that a third of Irish people die each year from heart disease, highlighting that 80% of heart disease is preventable through lifestyle changes and modifying its risk factors. 

This information evening aims to bring awareness to members of the public, supporting them to identify individual risk factors and facilitate better choices for their health.

Dr Donal Murray, Consultant Cardiologist Integrated Care, said,  “We are all aware that a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking reduces stress, and drinking within recommended guidelines contributes to preventing heart disease. 

“We know this is easier said than done. Our advice to anyone out there who is looking to make changes is to get support today. This is why I would encourage you to come along and avail of expert advice on our information evening,” he said. 

Dr David Swann, GP Medical Practice Riverstown, says prevention is better than cure, particularly heart disease-related. “Weight gain, salt, sugar, and smoking can all increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 

“Sometimes, we all just need a small push to modify our actions. Hopefully, if you come along to the information evening, you will get some inspiration and motivation,” the GP Medical Practise added. 

Speakers on the evening will include:

• Integrated Cardiologist Consultant

GP

• Specialised Cardiovascular Nurses
• Physiotherapist
  
  
• Dietitian
• Smoking Cessation Officer
  - Community Pharmacist
  - Living Well Programme
  - Social Prescribing