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As South Africa joined the global community in marking World Heart Day yesterday on September 29, 2024, Unu Health is encouraging citizens to take proactive steps toward better heart health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, including in South Africa, where the impact of heart disease and stroke is profound.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, CVDs claim more lives than TB, HIV, and malaria combined. Every day, 215 South Africans die from heart disease or strokes, with five people having a heart attack and ten suffering a stroke every hour. Alarming statistics also reveal that one in three South Africans over the age of 15 have high blood pressure, and 50% of strokes and 42% of heart attacks are attributed to hypertension.
Tania Joffe, founder of Unu Health, believes that World Heart Day provides the perfect opportunity for South Africans to re-evaluate their heart health and take simple yet effective steps to reduce the risk of CVD. “Heart disease and stroke are preventable with the right lifestyle choices. Monitoring blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are crucial,” says Joffe.
Unu Health is addressing these concerns with its innovative Unu Health App, designed to give people the tools they need to monitor vital health metrics. The app provides users with the ability to track their blood pressure, weight, and heart rate, helping them stay on top of their health and prevent serious complications.
“Many people are unaware they are living with high blood pressure or other risk factors for heart disease. Our app makes it easier to regularly monitor these key indicators, empowering users to take action before it’s too late,” adds Joffe. “With heart disease and stroke accounting for the majority of deaths from non-communicable diseases in South Africa, it is critical to have easy access to tools that can assist in early detection and management.”
South Africa has one of the highest rates of obesity globally, with 65.1% of women and 31.2% of men classified as overweight or obese. These figures are concerning, as obesity is a significant contributor to the rising incidence of heart disease in the country. Disturbingly, one in ten South African children is already suffering from high blood pressure, and nearly 23% of children aged 2-14 are overweight or obese.
Joffe explains, “Preventing heart disease begins in childhood. Through the Unu App, we’re encouraging families to focus on healthier lifestyle choices. The app not only tracks vital health statistics, but it also provides access to resources that promote healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management.”
The World Heart Federation reports that 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided with proper lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and the avoidance of smoking. Despite these preventable measures, many South Africans are not taking the necessary steps to safeguard their health. Low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and physical inactivity remain widespread, contributing to the growing burden of CVD.
“As we observe World Heart Day, Unu Health calls on all South Africans to make heart health a priority. Our goal is to equip people with the information and tools they need to take charge of their health. Regular health monitoring can save lives, and the Unu App offers an easy, affordable way to do just that,” says Joffe.
Key Features of the Unu Health App:
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Users can track their blood pressure regularly, reducing the risk of undiagnosed hypertension.
- Heart Rate Tracking: Monitor heart rate to ensure it stays within a healthy range.
- Personalised Health Insights: The app provides personalised recommendations based on user data.
Unu Health is committed to revolutionising healthcare in South Africa through digital innovation. Its user-friendly platform empowers users to manage their health proactively, offering tools to monitor vital statistics and access affordable healthcare services. By making health monitoring accessible, Unu Health is helping to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
On this World Heart Day, Unu Health encourages everyone to take control of their heart health. Download the Unu App and make heart-healthy decisions today.
For more information, visit www.unuhealth.org or follow us on social media @UnuHealthZA.