The British Heart Foundation would like Cardiff Central to go red for heart

9.41.40am GMT Thu 25th Feb 2010

Jenny and Jenny work to support a variety of charities

The British Heart Foundation would like Cardiff Central to go

Red for Heart

• National Wear Red Day Friday 26 February 2010-

February is National Heart Month and The British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Cardiff Central AM, Jenny Randerson and Cardiff Central MP, Jenny Willott are asking the people of Cardiff Central to join National Wear Red Day on Friday 26th February 2010 and to follow the BEAT health code.

By wearing red, for a suggested donation of £1, you will help the BHF save lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. You can also take simple steps to improve you and your family's heart health by following the BEAT health code.

Be active - Regular physical exercise can help keep your heart healthy. You don't need to don Lycra or run a marathon - walking, swimming and taking the stairs all count - just aim to do at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. If you would like to build up to doing an event such as a walk, cycle ride, run or swim go to bhf.org.uk/events to find an event near you.

Eat healthily - Eating healthily helps reduce your risk of heart disease.  We're all allowed a little of what we fancy, but try to cut down on saturated fats, salt and alcohol.  For top marks, eat five portions of fruit and veg a day, oily fish once a week and go for the wholegrain options.

Avoid smoking - Smoking can damage the heart and double your risk of having a heart attack.  Stopping smoking is the single biggest step you can take to live longer.

Take the lifestyle check - There are other factors that affect your heart health, like weight and body shape. Find out how you measure up - by truthfully answering the quick step by step questions. A report will be generated and advice given to you on how to improve your risk areas. The report can also be printed off, should you want to discuss your assessment with your doctor. Take the free online lifestyle check from January 2010 at bhf.org.uk.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "I'm looking forward to wearing red, so I can show my support for this really important day.

"Heart disease wrecks thousands of lives every year, and is often avoidable."

Jenny Willott MP said: "Heart disease can affect people of any background. This event is a great way of reminding people of the need to look after themselves.

"Jenny and I are asked to get involved with lots of charities and days like today, and its always a pleasure to help issues like this."

You can also show your support by wearing a Red for Heart pin badge. The pin badge will be available from all BHF Shops, Argos, Homebase, Lloyds TSB, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Fitness First and Lidl for a suggested donation of £1. Together we can save the life you love.

For more information on National Wear Red Day and the BEAT health code - visit bhf.org.uk or call 0845 2410976.

ENDS

For further information please contact the BHF newsdesk on 0207 554 0164 or 07764 290381 (out of hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

Notes to editors

For further information about the BHF, Red for Heart, to donate or to order a fundraising kit please visit bhf.org.uk/red

The British Heart Foundation is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life saving work. Together we can save the life you love.