Every February, organizations across the nation like the American Heart Association (AHA), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI) and The Heart Truth join together to commemorate American Heart Month by encouraging individuals to reduce their chances of developing heart disease by making healthy lifestyles choices. Cardiovascular disease runs rampant in the United States, with nearly half of the adults having some type of heart disease like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or myocardial infarction (heart attack). With February quickly approaching, now is a great time for Americans to get actively involved with their heart health.
The first American Heart Month was nearly 60 years ago. Since its inception, the federally designated month has run effective nationwide awareness and outreach programs with the goal of reducing heart disease. Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in American men and women in the United States. Here are some other important facts on heart disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Certain individuals are more at risk for developing heart disease than others are. Known risk factors for cardiovascular disease include physical inactivity, smoking, unhealthy diet, being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.
To celebrate American Heart Month this year, the theme is seven days of self-care. The day-of-the-week theme can be celebrated by people of all ages, and is a great way to bring the family together as every member strives to reach their positive personal health goals. Here is the theme for each day:
Do not forget to tag #OurHearts in your posts while you are celebrating this year’s seven days of self-care. Research confirms that people have better luck meeting their personal goals when they engage with others who are doing the same. By tagging #OurHearts in your posts, you will meet likeminded Americans who are committed to improving their cardiovascular health, too.
Because there are many different kinds of heart disease, the symptoms vary based on a person’s condition. If someone is having a heart attack, for example, he or she may experience chest pain or discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, upper body discomfort, and upper back or neck pain. If you believe you or a loved one is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. The more quickly a person receives medical attention, the greater their chances of survival. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins often accompany heart failure, and arrhythmia, a condition that makes the heart beat improperly, usually feels like a fluttering or racing heart beat or chest palpitations.
Early intervention and other types of prevention are key when it comes to reducing heart health-related medical complications. Eating a well-rounded diet, maintaining regular doctor’s appointments, and staying physically active are all tried and true methods for having a healthy heart. If you have more questions about improving your heart health, talk to your medical provider directly. If you have a legal question or concern, contact a representative at our firm.
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