February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined. In fact, each day, 2,200 Americans die from cardiovascular diseases (approximately one death every 40 seconds).
Luckily, cardiovascular disease can often be prevented by making healthy choices and properly managing existing health conditions. American Heart Month is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease and promoting heart health, making this the perfect time to share information about heart disease and prevention.
According to various studies and statistics, 80% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented by taking control of your heart health and following everyday healthy living steps that include not smoking, engaging in physical activity, following a healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and The Heart Truth® celebrate American Heart Month by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Research shows that we’re more successful at meeting personal health goals when we join forces with others. By inspiring and motivating yourself and those you love to make heart health a regular part of your self-care routine, you can help prevent heart disease.
Additionally, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to health equity in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.
These toolkits developed by CDC to implement evidence-based hypertension control strategies.
This American Heart Month, love your heart and yourself. Take steps to get your heart health in check and have a happy heart month!