Time for a Heart Check?

February is National Heart Month – a time when the nation's public health organizations encourage us all to check on our heart health. Why? Because heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans. During American Heart Health Month, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women across most racial and ethnic groups. In 2024, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease. And, did you know more than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year? Yes, heart disease even affects children in the US prompting many parents and adults to learn CPR. You never know when you might save a life. (Taken from Heart.org)

A Little History

President Lyndon B. Johnson, among the millions of people in the country who'd had heart attacks, issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month.

In most cases, heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and getting regular checkups.

Wear Red for Women Day

The first Friday of American Heart Month, Feb. 6th, is also National Wear Red for Women Day as part of the AHA's Go Red initiative. From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: saving more women’s lives. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Wear red to be seen, to be counted, to be heard, to make an impact. Together, we are stronger than heart disease and stroke. For more information on the event and other activities during the month, visit goredforwomen.org.

When it comes to proactively managing our health maintenance, many of us are still recovering from the global pandemic when just getting an appointment could be difficult. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as eating poorly, drinking more alcohol and limiting physical activity, that can contribute to heart disease. If you have delayed or avoided seeking healthcare for the last 5 years, this month is a perfect time to get back on track. Your team at River North Law Group encourages all to maintain healthy living by making an appointment for your annual physical.

Million Hearts

Another national initiative is Million Hearts® - a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes within 5 years. It focuses on implementing a small set of evidence-based priorities and targets that can improve cardiovascular health for all. Learn more about the 2027 initiative in the video below to get resources to help you take action. During American Heart Month, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.

 

 

You May Be a First Responder

If you’re in no danger of heart disease, you may be interested in another national initiative during Heart Health Month in 2026. This American Heart Month the American Heart Association’s message is clear: anyone can save a life. In every cardiac emergency, the real first responder is not always a uniformed professional but often a friend, family member or even a stranger nearby. Ordinary people have extraordinary power. You are the first responder until professional help arrives. You can download the American Heart Health Month CPR Guide here.

In whatever season of life you're in, let's all appreciate National Heart Month with our best wishes for your great health!