Скачать или смотреть National Heart Week/World Heart Day 2020 Virtual Opening Speeches

OPENING SPEECH BY PROF TAN HUAY CHEEM, CHAIRMAN, SINGAPORE HEART FOUNDATION FOR NHW/WHD 2020 VIRTUAL ON 3 OCTOBER 2020, SATURDAY

1. Good morning to one and all. Thank you for joining us at this year’s NHW/WHD virtual event.

2. SHF started organising the NHW in 1972 with the aim of raising awareness of heart disease, and rally Singaporeans to take personal responsibility in tackling this health issue. Over the years, the NHW has become our signature event that takes place every year with moderate size roadshows in our heartlands. However, due to the COVID-19 situation, we are unable to have that physical interaction with you this year.

3. We are living in unprecedented times. We don’t know what course the pandemic will take in the future, but we do know that taking care of our hearts right now is as important than ever. CVD is the number one cause of death in Singapore and worldwide, with one of its most common risk factors being hypertension. In this time of COVID-19, CVD and hypertension patients face more life-threatening complications and a substantially higher risk of death from this coronavirus, as seen in statistics across the world. This is especially critical among the elderly. In Singapore, four heart patients have died from COVID-19. In addition, 20% of COVID-19 patients have pre-existing high blood pressure, among them 12 people had died.

4. It is not surprising to know that hypertension is one of the common pre-existing condition in COVID-19 patients here, as it is also a chronic disease prevalent among the Singapore population. Nearly one in four adults between the ages 30 and 60, and more than half of those aged 60 to 69 in Singapore have high blood pressure. Hypertension can result in serious complications such as heart disease and stroke.

5. Chronic disease prevention must always be made a priority and that is why hypertension is made the focus for this year's national heart week/world heart day event. We have prepared a series of activities for the next two days, which include talks by cardiologists, including myself, to address common concerns with regards to hypertension. I hope you will find it useful.

6. In line with the World Heart Federation’s 2020 global campaign, the theme for this year’s WHD is “USE HEART” – Use heart to beat CVD. It means to understand what it takes to live a heart healthy life and to act on that knowledge, change your behaviour for a better quality of life. It also means to motivate your loved ones to lead a heart healthy lifestyle, as well as to care and support those vulnerable and at higher risk during this period of COVID-19. We hope that you will make good use of the content on this microsite to make positive changes for yourself and your family.

7. This year, SHF also celebrates our 50th Anniversary. It is a significant milestone for SHF with many achievements to celebrate. The COVID-19 pandemic storm may have thrown our celebratory plans off the course, but it has also push forth novel initiatives such as this virtual event, which will potentially define the direction for the next decade and become notable achievements worthy of celebration in future.

8. As we enter the new normal, the SHF will also continue to explore new ways to engage and empower you with scientifically proven, evidence-based medical facts. Let’s use heart to beat CVD and work together towards a heart healthier Singapore. Wishing you a fruitful day ahead. Thank you.