It's World Heart Day! Here Are Some Tips For A 'Heart-Healthy Environment'

September 29th marks World Heart Day--a global celebration that raises knowledge and awareness about one of the body's most essential and life-giving organs: the heart!

Here are some helpful, healthy and critical reminders about just why this circulatory pump is so important.

Did you know: The human heart is one of the most important organs in the entire body! This muscle pumps blood throughout the entire system. The left ventricle, or the Aorta, works to pump blood throughout the entire body, helping to properly nourish every cell with life-giving oxygen, glucose and amino acids, and beats roughly 72 times per minute.

Heart disease remains a very common cause of death, particularly in the United States. Approximately 1 in 4 deaths can be linked to this health issue, which is predominantly more common in men and costs close to $109 billion in medical costs each year in the United States, alone. Diet and a sedentary lifestyle can significantly contribute to this health issue. Certain genetic components can also increase the risk.

Work Stress: It's only natural that work will cause stress. However, some jobs will prove to be more stressful than others and certain jobs may increase the risk of certain health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as type 2 diabetes or certain sleep disorders, that also increase the risk of heart disease. Jobs like shift work or chronically sedentary desk jobs can all increase the risk of these problems, which can take a toll on the heart. Taking necessary exercise and stretching breaks, as well as getting adequate rest accompanied by a healthy diet can help to prevent future problems.

As this year's World Heart Day's theme involves making a difference in the places we live, work and play, how will you make a difference?