American Heart Month

February doesn’t devote only one day to the heart anymore. Yes, you can still spoil your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, but medical professionals are hoping that a month-long campaign of awareness will convince you to help your own heart, too.

American Heart Month is sponsored by the American Heart Association, which devotes February to community outreach, marketing initiatives and educational programs – all aimed at bringing attention to American heart health.

National Wear Red Day

American Heart Month kicks off on Feb. 1 with National Wear Red Day, an initiative designed to pay tribute to men and women affected by heart disease.

Wearing red is also a symbol of recognizing dedicated health care professionals and honoring researchers working toward uncovering medical innovations.

The color also symbolizes you and your personal effort toward ensuring your optimum health, and the health of those around you.

Simple Steps

The American Heart Association and its partners spend a lot of energy in February explaining the simple steps that Americans can take to improve their heart health.

Their message is clear: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. but is highly preventable.

Healthy choices and proper management of health conditions can go a long way to reducing heart disease, as can an informed public dedicated to helping their fellow Americans reach peak heart health.

Spread the Word

You can do your part to help American Heart Association in its efforts. Do a little research on heart health and spread the message with your friends and family members.

You can also take your voice to social media by tweeting, posting and broadcasting heart-healthy tips and tricks.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website, HealthFinder.gov, features an American Heart Month toolkit full of sample tweets and informational resources that can help you share the message.

(Source:NWITimes.com)