Last Updated on February 5, 2014 by

There are so many “official” observances in the month of February, including Valentine’s Day, Black History Month and President’s Day. As you set aside time to celebrate or remember these events, we also want you to be aware of two more important health observances that happen in February: American Heart Month and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

In this week’s article, we share helpful tips, facts and resources to encourage you to learn more about heart disease, its causes and the number one cure: Prevention. We’ll share more on Teen Dating Violence later this month.

American Heart Month

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of American Heart Month. For the past 50 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has used the month of February to partner with the media, medical providers and community organizations to spread the word about heart disease prevention and treatment. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. Over the years, the American Heart Association has sponsored awareness and education campaigns as well as medical research funding, investing more than $3.5 billion into studies. According to the AMA, this is the most amount of funding of any entity outside the federal government.

The AHA provides the following reminders to encourage you to live a heart-healthy lifestyle:

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. (Click here to read more about alcohol and heart health.)
• Get active – regular exercise is a verty important of heart health.
• Eat healthy.

Heart Health Facts

• Heart disease & stroke kill about 30 NC women/day.
• Nearly half of African American women live with heart disease.
• About 23% of adult men and about 18% of adult women smoke.
• Stroke is among the Top 5 Cause of Death for Women in almost every state.
• Overweight women are 18%-30% more likely to have babies with heart defects.
• 22% of schools do not require physical education.
• Nearly 10 million kids and adolescents ages 6 – 19 are considered overweight or obese.
• Each day, only 2% of children receive the right amount of fruit and veggies.

(Source: American Heart Association’s You’re The Cure)

More Heart Health Articles

3 Not So Obvious Truths About Alcohol and Heart Health
Are You Drinking To Much Alcohol?
Women & Alcohol: A Message From The Heart

Promote Heart Health During The Month Of February with These Resources

Take Action with American Heart Association’s You’re The Cure
Download The Heart Health Month Toolkit For Your Group
Participate in Heart Walks Across the Country