February: American Heart Month

With February almost at a close, we didn’t want to forget about American Heart Month! February is nationally recognized as American Heart Month, a perfect time to learn about keeping a healthy heart! We have listed a few important facts for American Heart Month:

1. According to the CDC, the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States is cardiovascular disease. This includes heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure.
2. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) costs the U.S. over $300 billion each year! (This includes cost of medical services, medications and lost productivity)
3. Most heart attacks are discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. The feeling has been described at uncomfortable squeezing, pressure, fullness or pain.
4. A few CVD prevention tips: monitor your blood pressure, have your cholesterol checked, have routine physicals from your doctor, eat healthy, maintain a healthy weight, incorporate exercise part of your routine, do not smoke, avoid drinking too much alcohol, ,manage diabetes, take prescribed medication.

Keeping a healthy heart is very important, for more information about American Heart Month and tips visit the American Heart Association: www.heart.org