The month of February has been American Heart Month since 1964 when then President Lyndon B Johnson made the declaration urging more Americans to consider the health of their heart.
“Now, Therefore, I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America do hereby proclaim the month of February 1964 as American Heart Month; and I invite the governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to issue similar proclamations,” President Johnson Declared in December 1963.
Of course it’s the perfect month with the heart and love as the focus. But far more important and far less recognized is how vital it is to take care of your heart.
During this time, charities, doctors, and many other organizations are working hard to raise awareness of the leading cause of death in America.
So where do you factor in? Participate in observing American Heart Month by getting to know and understand your own heart health, and encouraging loved ones to do the same. By gaining and sharing further knowledge, we can help prevent the rise of cardiovascular-related illness and death, and build a healthier future for America.
The Statistics of Heart Disease, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
• 1 in every 4 deaths is cause by heart disease
• coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease
• every year, 720,000 American have a heart attack
• you’re at risk for heart disease if you have diabetes, a poor diet, are inactive, or overweight
• about 47% of sudden cardiac deaths happen outside hospital walls