Local MP goes 'Red for Heart'

3.03.27pm GMT Tue 23rd Feb 2010

Withington MP John Leech and The British Heart Foundation (BHF) are calling on the people of Manchester to join National Wear Red Day on Friday 26th February 2010 and to follow the BEAT health code.

In advance of National Wear Red Day, parliamentarians are showing their support by wearing a red heart pin on Wednesday 24th February.

A suggested donation of £1, along with wearing red to show support, will help maintain pioneering research, patient care and help with campaigning for change by providing vital health information.

The BEAT health code aims to promote a healthy lifestyle which will in turn help prevent heart disease.

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 vegetables a day, oily fish once a week and go for 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. To take the free online lifestyle check go to www.bhf.org.uk

John Leech commented:

"There has been a downward trend of deaths from heart disease in Manchester, which is encouraging, but figures are still way above the national average.

The BEAT health code helps raise awareness of healthy living and help reduce the incidence of heart problems."

The public are encouraged show their support by wearing a Red for Heart pin. 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.

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

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Notes to editors

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

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.