Making a Difference in the Fight Against Heart Disease: Participate in American Heart Month!
February marks the beginning of American Heart Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and providing information on how to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.[0] Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and everyone should take the time to assess their own risk factors and work to reduce them. There are a number of ways to get involved and make a difference in the fight against heart disease this month.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute encourages people to support its cause by making donations or raising funds on its behalf.[1] Merit Health River Region is also taking an active role in American Heart Month with its 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge.[2] The challenge is designed to encourage healthy living by providing daily tasks that will benefit your cardiovascular system.
Commonwealth Health is another organization getting involved, sponsoring its own 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge. The challenge involves daily tasks to help benefit your cardiovascular system. Eating a balanced diet, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco are just some of the steps that can be taken to reduce heart-disease risk.
Dr. Larry Handlin, cardiologist at Northeast Regional Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle.[3] “By not smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol and treating high blood pressure, we can all reduce our risk for heart disease,” he said.
It is estimated that one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the United States, and about 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. Therefore, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and become more informed on how to maintain a healthy heart. Those interested in participating in the free 28-Day Healthy Heart Challenge can visit www.mymerithealth.com/heart-challenge or alliancehealthwoodward.com/heart-challenge.
American Heart Month is the perfect time to be proactive about heart health and make a difference in the fight against heart disease. By taking the necessary steps to reduce risk and get involved in initiatives like the Healthy Heart Challenge, we can all make a positive impact on our own health and the health of others.
0. “Lake Regional Shines Spotlight On American Heart Month” krmsradio.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.krmsradio.com/lake-regional-shines-spotlight-on-american-heart-month/
1. “Mark your calendars Ottawa, February is Heart Month – Ottawa Business Journal” Ottawa Business Journal, 26 Jan. 2023, https://obj.ca/mark-your-calendars-ottawa-february-is-heart-month/
2. “Merit Health River Region announces Healthy Heart Challenge – The Vicksburg Post” Vicksburg Post, 27 Jan. 2023, https://www.vicksburgpost.com/2023/01/27/merit-health-river-region-announces-healthy-heart-challenge/
3. “Northeast Regional Medical Center to hold a 28-day Healthy Heart Challenge” Kirksville Daily Express and Daily News, 25 Jan. 2023, https://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/stories/northeast-regional-medical-center-to-hold-a-28-day-healthy-heart-challenge,7674
