Raise awareness as February is American Heart Month, and take action to protect your heart by understanding key risk factors and prevention strategies.
February is American Heart Month: Spread Awareness, Save Lives
Every year, February is American heart month, which is aimed at bringing awareness to heart and heart-related diseases. Heart disease is the most common cause of death in America and impacts millions. However, a significant portion of these conditions can be mitigated by making the right lifestyle choices along with early treatment.
February serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize heart health by picking up heart-friendly action and inspiring others to do the same. Picking up a new diet, going to the gym, or managing stress are all methods to lower the chances of heart disease and disorders.
This blog discusses why February is American heart month and also some of the common causes and prevention of heart diseases.
Understanding the Importance of American Heart Month
The purpose was to determine with pinpoint accuracy the impact of various organizations giving out prescriptions from fourteen hundred pharmacies spread across America. Heart month was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the initiative to bring forward the growing concern regarding cardiovascular diseases. It has been over 60 years since the American Heart Association and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have taken over the responsibility of increasing people’s awareness surrounding heart health.
Looking into this issue in more detail suggests that a large heart disease burden remains in the population that is unrecognized or undiagnosed. Considering that heart disease is frequently asymptomatic, one of the objectives of American heart month is to educate the people and encourage lifestyle changes that are necessary for the prevention of heart diseases.
The Heart Condition: The Deadliest of Them All
- In the U.S., cardiovascular disease causes nearly one in every four deaths. CAD alone causes an estimated 697,000 deaths per year
- In America, close to 11% of adults aged 20 and over have been diagnosed with heart disease, which is equivalent to 1 in every 9 adults in America
- Heart diseases have been on the rise, every 40 seconds, there is a casualty of a heart attack
Most Important Heart Disease Risk Factors and Reasons
Heart diseases do not happen all of a sudden rather have several reasons behind them. Some of them are inherited, and some can be altered with lifestyle changes.
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure is fatal for the heart as it will increase the workload and can result in dire situations or develop advanced diseases
High Cholesterol Level
Blood flow is limited due to excessive cholesterol formation, which results in plaque being deposited in blood vessels, this could be very dangerous and cause high blood pressure issues in older adults
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking causes irreversible harm to blood vessels and increases the pulse rate as well as the chances of heart failure
Extremely Unhealthy Dietary Habits
The processed “foods” dominant in modern society that contain high levels of saturated fats, trans fats, and salt can create cardiovascular problems
No Exercise (Physical Inactivity)
Leading an inactive life makes a person prone to obesity, heart problems, and other related conditions because it weakens the heart muscles.
High Obesity & Diabetes
Obesity puts a strain on the heart and leads to other diseases like diabetes and hypertension
Additionally, high levels of blood glucose levels can inflict irreparable damage on blood vessels and the nerves that are responsible for communicating with the heart
Heart Disease Prevention Techniques
Some of the heart health tips for seniors are given below:
Take up A Balanced Diet
Include more fruits and vegetables
They boast a wide range of nutrients that improve heart and vascular health.
Select whole grains
Refined grains are brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread
Add healthy fats
Nuts, avocados, and olive oil supply heart-protective fats
Reduce processed and fast foods
Unhealthy fats and sodium could raise the possibility of high blood and cholesterol issues.
Remain Physically Active
Walk, swim, cycle, or dance as they benefit your heart. Eat carrots, melon, and oranges on weekly intakes. In addition, try some other healthy heart habits such as weight training exercises to improve heart health twice a week as it improves blood flow tremendously.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Monitoring
Regular health examinations can discover early heart disease symptoms. Having blood pressure and cholesterol numbers under control can minimize risks. Furthermore, try to wear medical alert devices as they help individuals with chronic diseases such as heart disease by providing emergency assistance, alerting caregivers, and monitoring vital signs, ensuring timely medical intervention to improve heart health.
Avoid Smoking And its other Forms
Another heart health tips for seniors is to quit smoking as it contains nicotine, which is the main component that causes smokers to face heart disease. Thus, quitting smoking might seem hard, but support groups and therapy can help break this habit.
Weight Maintenance
Having too much body fat diminishes health and increases the chances of developing heart disease. Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise will help in achieving weight loss or management.
Quality Sleep
Sleep quality and duration should be between 7 and 9 hours daily for optimal health. Lack of adequate sleep greatly increases the chances of developing some health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, and the like.
Ways to Raise Awareness of American Heart Month
The more people know about heart disease, the more lives that can be saved. Here are easy ways you can support the campaign:
Wear Red Attire
Every first Friday of February is heart disease prevention month. It is a day to wear red to raise awareness of the disease that claims the lives of every individual.
Heart Health Educational Materials Dissemination
Social media is a good tool to disseminate tips, known facts, and even success stories. Make sure to follow the American Heart Association and other organizations for example, for more input.
Encourage Heart Health Check-Ups
Make sure to inform your family and friends to check their hearts regularly. Inform your community about the absence of cheap heart check-ups that exist in a lot of places.
Aid in Fundraisers and Charity Events
Many organizations promote health, such as asking people to walk, run, donate, and exercise to raise money for heart ailments research. You can take part in these activities and donate to anything that promotes heart health.
Host a Heart-Healthy Event
Have a cooking class specializing in healthy cooking or have a yoga class or fitness challenge at work or in the community by partnering with local exercise centers and health facilities to promote heart health and disease prevention. Teach people how to eat better and to keep moving.
Wrap Up
February is American heart month, which is observed to raise awareness regarding heart health and to help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Protecting against heart disease is achievable, with changes as small as adopting a healthier lifestyle being extremely impactful. Also, there are many steps people can take to make it happen.
Focus on exercising for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week, eating a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and most importantly, helping others understand the importance of preventing heart disease. Thus, following these practices eases the concern around heart diseases while simultaneously assisting in accomplishing a healthy world.
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FAQ's
Yes, February is recognized as American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention.
You can celebrate by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, spreading awareness on social media, participating in heart health events, encouraging check-ups, and adopting heart-healthy habits like eating well and exercising.
Red is the official color for heart awareness, symbolizing heart health and the fight against cardiovascular disease.
