Maintain balanced diet, protect your heart

[Khushboo]

The World Heart Federation (WHF) has suggested 10-point suggestions for protection against heart disease and stroke. That include balanced diet with steamed, boiled, grilled or baked, lean meat, fish, vegetables, pulses, fruit and low fat products, and at least five servings of vegetables and fruit daily.

Similarly, adequate water, low fat milk or fresh, unsweetened fruit juices instead of soft drinks; avoiding excess salt, especially through processed foods; and fruit or vegetables in children's school lunch or snack are other points suggested by the WHF.

Supplement them by at least 30 minute of physical exercise daily; avoiding smoking and limiting screen time of TV and computers. Going to school on foot or on bicycle is better than on crammed bus.

Studies from around the world showed that parents play a key role in inculcating healthy habits ? healthy diet, regular exercise and not using tobacco and alcohol - to protect themselves and their children from heart problems.

According to World Heart Federation (WHF), heart disease and stroke are the largest killers, claiming 17.5 million lives a year globally and 80 per cent of the deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.

Fifteen per cent people in Nepal are affected from some kind of heart disease and tens of thousands die of heart-related diseases every year.

Experts project heart disease to be the No. 1 killer disease globally by 2020 and there will be an outbreak of heart diseases in South Asian countries.

According to World Health Organisation, 205 million people will die of heart diseases by 2020 and coronary heart disease will be the No. 1 killer. Deaths due to heart-related diseases will increase by more than 35 per cent in the developing countries, the WHO report said.

Therefore maintain balance diet & protect your heart as every heart beat gives you a sense that you are still alive.

"Happy World Heart Day"