February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States which is why so many organizations celebrate and observe American Heart Month to encourage healthy habits to prevent heart disease. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation declaring February American Heart Month in 1964. Since then, the movement has evolved to adopt goals and involvement on every scale.

The goals include: 

• Supporting people with cardiovascular conditions 

• Advancing research 

• Increasing access to affordable health care, prescription drugs, and healthy lifestyles 

You can get involved by: 

• Raising awareness about the risks of heart disease 

• Sharing how to take steps to prevent heart disease 

• Advocating for cardiovascular health 

• Fundraising for breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment 

• Supporting patients and families 

• Donating to support the American Heart Association's work 

Risk factors for heart disease include:

• High cholesterol 

• High blood pressure

• Smoking 

• Obesity 

  
  

You can help prevent heart disease by: 

• Being physically active 

• Eating a healthy diet 

• Watching your weight 

• Checking your blood pressure and cholesterol

American Heart Month is also the perfect time to take training from approved organizations like the American Red Cross and others on how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to help save lives and be prepared for medical emergencies in your community. 

Sources: 

NIH.gov

RedCross.org