National Heart Week/World Heart Day 2023

by Samantha Chan and Cyrus Nisban

In 2022, an alarming statistic emerged from the National Population Health Survey in Singapore: more than 1 in 3 Singaporeans (37%) were diagnosed with hypertension, with more than half being undiagnosed previously. In addition to that, more than 90% of Singaporeans exceed the recommended daily salt intake by nearly double, which is 9g of salt per day. Excessive salt intake can lead to high sodium levels and eventually hypertension after a prolonged period.

This National Heart Week/World Heart Day, we took action at Toa Payoh HDB Hub on 30 Sep 2023. Over 1,700 enthusiastic participants joined us for heart-pumping exercises, health talks, educational booths and stamp card activities, all aimed at controlling sodium intake and blood pressure.

Members of the public took away heart health information from the educational booths and health talks supported by our partners.

Exercises like Chair Yoga and Walking HIIT to keep participants actively engaged for heart health.

We debuted “Do the Hugo Pump”, a two-minute dance-along theme song, with the aim to inculcate healthy habits in children and prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease risk factors later in life.

The event also featured the Blood Pressure (BP) Awareness Booth, which ensures easy access to BP monitors and resources that guide users through the process. Twelve booths are currently available for residents in Bishan and Toa Payoh, and more are expected to be set up in the North, South, East and West districts.