February is American Heart Month. While we send valentines to those we love, it’s also a great time to highlight the importance of understanding heart health strategies to keep our own hearts strong, not just for ourselves, but for all the people for whom we care about. I encourage you to join us and the
Million Hearts® initiative this month in its mission to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and prevent one million heart attacks and strokes.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the #1 killer of both American men and women. Every year, more than 790,000 Americans have a heart attack episode; almost 75% of those are first-time sufferers. The good news is that more than 80% of all CVD is preventable. Read more about the signs and symptoms of heart disease
here.
Follow these tips to prevent heart disease this month:
- Ask your provider for a heart screening.
- Exercise 30 minutes a day at least five days a week.
- Eat five fruits and vegetables every day.
- Take a few minutes of time out for stress relief when you start to feel tense; refer to our JustBreathe website.
- Avoid tobacco.
Over the next month, encourage your colleagues to attend one of the biometric screenings, educational programs and/or heart related events around campus to become proactive towards CVD management.
View more about heart month at Ohio State.
I wish you all a happy, healthy 2019, with hearts free of disease and full of joy.
Warm and well regards,