Irish Heart Month is observed in September throughout Ireland. An initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation (I.H.F.), the month-long dedication raises awareness about our heart and its health. Silent heart diseases claim thousands of lives each year. The statistics are dire in Ireland, where 1 in 4 men lose their lives to strokes or other heart diseases. Each year, the I.H.F. introduces a theme that accompanies the educative message behind this observation. This Irish Heart Month, let us take a pledge to become better custodians of our hearts and prolong our lives.
History of Irish Heart Month
Heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases claim over 9,000 Irish lives every year. Eight out of every 10 deaths due to a stroke are preventable. Irish Heart Month raises awareness about the alarming need for public health education regarding our heart health. The observation is the initiative of the Irish Heart Foundation (I.H.F.), a Dublin-based charity that runs support for heart patients and raises awareness about strokes and other heart diseases. Ever since its start in 1966, the charity has been instrumental in connecting heart patients with doctors, treatments, and support groups of people sailing in the same boat.The Irish Heart Foundation raises awareness about the nature of these diseases and the ways to prevent them from becoming fatal. I.H.F. connects volunteers throughout the country and runs the largest preventive training network in Ireland, equipping over 95000 people in a single year with C.P.R. Stroke prevention, exercise, moving your body, and running have been some of the central themes of Irish Heart Month in the past. Navigating tense adulthood with unprecedented challenges has resulted in many heart-related fatalities amongst the Irish youth. The I.H.F. shares stories of victims and survivors of heart diseases.Irish Heart Month is championed by many national and local health organizations, including Men’s Health Forum and the Irish Cardiac Society. In a month-long observation, the Irish Heart Foundation urges the general public to reboot their hearts. September is the best time to take charge of your heart, as it is closed by World Heart Day, celebrated on September 29.
Irish Heart Month timeline
A national lottery to finance hospitals is established, introducing the concept of public health in Ireland.
The government of Ireland launches public health insurance to provide subsidized hospital care to Irish citizens.
The Irish Health Foundation charity, focused on raising awareness about heart health, is founded in Dublin, Ireland.
Beloved Irish broadcaster’s sudden death due to a heart attack sends shock waves throughout the country and reignites the conversation of heart health among the public.
Irish Heart Month FAQs
How can I take better care of my heart?
Getting active, portioning meals, keeping a check on your cholesterol and triglycerides, and living a stress-free life are all key to maintaining your heart health.
What are the early signs of a weak heart?
Persistent chest pain, fatigue, swelling in the lower parts of your body, and shortness of breath are all signs of a weakening heart. Consult with a physician if you are experiencing a combination of three or more of these symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Sudden loss of speech, dizziness, loss of balance, and numbness in the left side of your body are all symptoms of a stroke.
How to Observe Irish Heart Month
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Book a heart check-up
Heart diseases are measurable and treatable only if we have an early diagnosis. This September, give yourself the gift of a long, meaningful life by committing to regular heart checkups. Bonus point: book an appointment for your friends and family as well.
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Move your body
Irish Heart Month serves as a swinging reminder to get active. Thousands of lives are cut short every year due to reckless health habits and ignored red signs. Why wait for the new year to join a gym when September is just around the corner?
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Take C.P.R. classes
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.) is a lifesaving emergency procedure performed on people who cease breathing on their own. By learning this skill, you can become a proactive member of your squad, ready to save lives!
5 Stats About Heart Health That’ll Make You Join The Gym
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It is a leading cause of death
More than 17 million people in the world die of cardiovascular diseases each year.
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It is fatal out here
One in every 10 heart attacks is fatal.
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Young and done
20% of heart attack deaths are occurring in people younger than 40, a figure that has been on the rise since the 1970s.
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Tense lives and funeral homes
More than 700 million people in the world live with hypertension, a prominent cause of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
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The belly of the beast
Stress and hypertension damage nerves, causing leak and rupture, which ultimately leads to a stroke.
Why Irish Heart Month is Important
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It is a silent killer
Heart attacks are silent killers and the symptoms often go unnoticed until it is too late. Irish Heart Month raises awareness about the causes of heart diseases and equips people with tools to prevent them. As we head towards the snug season, September is a great month to take a breather and look after the very source of your life.
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It gives our hearts a fighting chance
The Irish Heart Foundation runs annual campaigns which encourage people to get active in their lives. Taking inspiration from our peers and adopting a couple of these activities is the best way to prevent you and your loved ones from becoming a statistic.
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It connects people
Survivors and caregivers need a community to tread through the tumultuous waters of cardiovascular recovery. Irish Heart Month connects the patients and their families with the I.H.F. community, which contributes to their speedy recovery.
Irish Heart Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
