It’s only fitting that the month that celebrates Valentine’s Day should put a heavy focus on heart health. It’s a vital issue because heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. You can get a toolkit for American Heart Month at healthfinder.gov – it includes sample social media posts that you can use, along with numerous tools, resources and links. Get heart-healthy recipes or information about heart attacks, strokes and blood pressure.
Learn more about your heart age
In coordination with Heart Health Month, the American Heart Association sponsors Go Red for Women Month to raise an awareness of heart disease issues specifically around women. Many people have the misconception that heart disease is more common among men, but it is the #1 cause of death in women, too – but heart attacks are the warning signs for women aren’t the same in men. Women should know their heart risk and understand symptoms of a heart attack and stroke for women. Learn more and Wear Red for Women on February 3 to raise awareness.
February is also National Cancer Prevention Month. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers three tips for preventing cancer – good advice for preventing heart disease and other chronic illnesses, too:
- Choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and avoid processed meat.
- Be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more.
- Aim to be a healthy weight throughout life.
Other February health & Wellness observances include:
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
— Also, get a Teen Dating Violence toolkit from Healthfinder.gov
1-7 – African Heritage & Health Week
4 – World Cancer Day
5-11 – Burn awareness week
22 – National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
2-26 to 3-4 – National Eating Disorder Awareness Week