Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States.
Every year Americans dedicate themselves to heart disease awareness during February, or American Heart Month.
Four of the most common types of heart disease are coronary heart disease (includes heart attacks and chest pains), strokes, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Americans have celebrated American Heart Month since 1963. The president delivers a proclamation in support of American Heart Month each year.
“Although heart disease is one of our nation’s most costly and widespread health problems, it is among the most preventable,” said President Obama in his American Heart Month Proclamation Feb. 1. “During American Heart Month, we rededicate ourselves to fighting this disease by improving our own heart-healthy habits, and by raising awareness in our homes and our communities.”
Several events kicking off in February are Go Red For Women and The Heart Truth Campaign.
Go Red For Women has several “Go Red” events including the National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day is a day for people across the country, including Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, to wear red in support of women’s heart disease awareness.
The Heart Truth Campaign is a country-wide campaign that also supports women’s heart disease awareness. The campaigns’ message is “Heart disease doesn't care what you wear–it is the number one killer of women.”
“Protecting our families from heart disease requires each of us to take responsibility for our health and that of our children – including exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and raising our children to spend more time playing outside,” said Obama in his proclamation.
There are several steps and precautions people can take to prevent heart disease.
• Eat lean meats and low-fat dairy products
• Cut back on portion sizes, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugars and salt
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Exercise weekly
Although heart disease spreads into numerous categories of different heart problems, researchers continue to study and push forward in the medical field to prevent heart disease and save lives.
For more information on heart disease awareness, visit the Web sites www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth or www.goredforwomen.org.
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