February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US. Every February, American Heart Month delivers its message of heart awareness, risks, a call to action to improve heart health for all ages, and join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR.
For the past 60 years, the American Heart Association has celebrated American Heart Month to share a simple message – learn the risk factors for heart disease and take recommended steps to avoid them.
Many people guess correctly about causes of heart disease including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes but are less aware or observant on how to minimize risk through diet, exercise, smoking cessation and similar lifestyle choices.
Underlying heart issues can also increase risk of sudden and unexpected heart failure --- known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Causes of SCA include coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias), cardiomyopathy, heart valve problems, congenital heart defects and electrical abnormalities of the heart, all of which require immediate attention with CPR and use of an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) to save a life.
One of the most recognized events during American Heart Month is National Wear Red Day, typically observed on the first Friday of February.
This day serves as a visible symbol of solidarity in the fight against heart disease, particularly in women. Please participate and wear red on February 7th to raise awareness and show your support!
Starting Hearts’ mission is to help save the lives of sudden cardiac victims through teaching life-saving CPR skills. To celebrate American Heart Month, Starting Hearts is discounting all classes for the month of February. Allow us to provide you with specific training that can make a life-saving difference.
Contact us for more information: info@startinghearts.org.
