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Published on September 25, 2007

He said the World Health Organisation and the World Heart Federation celebrate World Heart Day during the last week of September every year and the ministry will join in with an event.

"The Healthy Families, Healthy Communities" event will start on September 30 at the Mall Ngam Wong Wan shopping centre.

Activities will include free blood pressure checks and a body and health exhibition. The campaign will urge people to become more aware of the risks associated with heart disease, and will focus on lifestyle, eating habits and exercise.

In the past, heart disease occurred most often in people over 40 years old, but due to bad dietary habits, more teenagers are now at risk.

Health permanent secretary

Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot said according to a survey by the National Statistical Office in 2005, 86 per cent of Thais regularly eat meals with high fat content, 15 per cent regularly eat fast food and 72 per cent regularly drink carbonated soft drinks.

A survey in 2003 found 5 per cent of Thai children under age 15 were at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Mongkol said most Thais are at risk of heart disease due to high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and obesity. In Thailand 40,000 people died each year from coronary vascular disease and heart disease.

To reduce the risk of heart disease, he suggested that people, particularly children, stop smoking, avoid salty and fatty food and do more exercise. "Exercise for 10-15 minutes and walk for at least half an hour per day."

He said if people followed these guidelines, the incidence of heart disease could be reduced by 2 per cent per year.

Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation