The New York Times - USA (2020-11-15)

THE NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020 N 9

PAID FOR AND POSTED BY NOVARTIS

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE CLAIMSONE IN FOURLIVES AND IS ON

THE RISE. BUT IF WE WORK TOGETHER, WE CAN STOP THIS TREND.

Taking This Pledge

Today Can Help Change

the World Tomorrow

When writer Jill D. was growing up in Overland Park,

Kan.,she loved playing cards with her father, who was

a draftsman in the Army Corps of Engineers. “He was

really funny and kind, with a passion for poker,” Jill says.

At age 27, Jill was shocked when her dad died suddenly

of a heart attack. “It was a turning point in my life,”

she says. She made sure to instill in her two daughters

the importance of healthy habits. This year, Jill turned

57, the same age her father was when he died. This

milestone has strengthened her commitment to being

healthier — for herself and for her family. “I am taking a

Latin dance class in my home,” she says. “I want to thrive.”

Cardiovascular disease, which can lead to a heart attack

or stroke, affects nearly half of all adults in the United

States. And for the first time in decades, the yearly

number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease has

started to go up. “Public health is top of mind right now,

and cardiovascular disease remains a significant health

care challenge,” says Victor Bulto, the U.S. president of

Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a company that has worked

for decades to advance heart health globally.

There are many reasons for the rise, including people

living longer and with health issues like obesity. And

many face challenges with improving their health, like

unequal access to care, healthy food and information. It

is possible, however, to return to a healthier path. “It will

take the combined efforts of people throughout society

to face cardiovascular disease head on,” Bulto says.

As you think about your loved ones, whoever makes

your heart beat with joy, think about the legacy you want

to lead for them — not just leave for them. While certain

factors may be beyond our control, there’s hope in those

areas we can influence. It can be as simple as making

new choices and committing to them. We can start

new heart-healthy habits that could ripple down through

generations: choosing to eat better when possible, to

exercise a few minutes longer, to see our doctors even

if that means starting with a virtual appointment. And to

truly lead a legacy, we can talk to the people we love

about their choices. This way, our hearts will grow

stronger — together.

The Legacy We Lead aims to halt the rise of deaths from

cardiovascular disease. Together, we as everyday citizens,

health care providers, parents and caregivers can help

lead a legacy of fewer lives lost. Take the simple pledge

atlegacywelead.com— you’ll complete it in a heartbeat.

It’s not just about what we have to lose if we don’t act, it’s

about what we have to gain if we do.

As you think about your

loved ones, think about

the legacy you want to

lead for them — not just

leave for them.

To read more and take the

pledge, scan the QR code

or visitlegacywelead.com

Illustration by Cindy Echevarria 10/20 T-XIN-