February is American

Heart Month

Learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart.

Heart Disease is the Leading Cause of Death

Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease.

To lower your risk:

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Watch your weight.

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Eat Healthy

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Be More Physically Active

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Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

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Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

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If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Why Focus on Heart Disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Make a difference in your community: Spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives. Source

How Can You

Make a Difference?

Get Check Ups

Talk to people about getting regular checkups. They can get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask the doctor about your heart disease risk.

Make sure you do this for yourself as well!

Manage Stress and Sleep Better Together

Use your support “squad” to remind each other to stick to the same bedtime every night. Do a stress reducing activity like yoga together. Tell a friend you’re quitting smoking and ask for their support. 

Eat Healthier Together

Share heart healthy recipes with friends. Go grocery shopping with your family and/or friends for healthy ingredients. Make a heart healthy meal for a potluck. Share on social media!

Be Physically Active Together

Share how you’re moving more with others. Have walking meetings. Start a walking club with your church group. Join an exercise class with a neighbor. Share on social media!