American Heart Month was started in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared heart health awareness to be a matter of national importance. Ever since (for a total of 53 years!), February has been designated American Heart Month in order to help promote cardiovascular health across the nation.
Cardiovascular disease is a serious problem in the United States and poses very real threats to the population. Sadly, as it stands today, cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one killer of both adult men and women. The good news is that awareness continues to increase and steps can be taken to reduce your personal risk and improve the number of healthy outcomes. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of deaths linked to cardiovascular health are preventable through proper education and lifestyle adjustments. The American Heart Association works tirelessly to conduct ongoing research and to raise awareness about ways the population can improve their cardiovascular health.
A great way to help the cause of cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention is to take part in celebrating American Heart Month. Not sure how to celebrate? Here’s just a couple of simple ideas the Gainesville Mini Maid team came up with for how to make American Heart Month matter more for you and your community.
GET INVOLVED IN (OR START!) A HEART EVENT AT A LOCAL SCHOOL
Popular events held each year at schools include the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart, both of which were created to help children learn about the importance of exercise and heart health while also raising awareness about heart disease prevention. You’ll find information about how to join an existing event or get your local school involved in these events by clicking the links above.
GET CERTIFIED IN CPR
Being properly trained and certified in CPR can help you save a life! You can learn to be prepared in case a friend, loved one or coworker falls victim to a heart attack or stroke and gain the ability to keep that person alive until professional help arrives on the scene. What better way to celebrate National Heart Month than by equipping yourself to handle heart related emergencies? Need help finding a CPR class in your area? The American Heart Association can help, just check their website’s CPR & ECC link for the details.
GET A CHOLESTEROL TEST
Keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level is vital to heart health and disease prevention, and the first step is to find out where you currently stand. Because high cholesterol is often “a silent disease”, producing few if any symptoms until damage has already been done, it’s important to get a test to find out your current level. Regular cholesterol screening tests are recommended by the American Heart Association and are a great way to celebrate American Heart Month! And once you’ve been screened, why not post about it on your social media accounts to help remind others to monitor their own cholesterol?
GET MOVING!
One of the best ways you can celebrate American Heart Month is to participate in some extra exercise and get your own heart pumping! Being active improves your health and lowers your risk for heart disease and other heart-related health problems. Whether you decide to hit the gym, hit the trail, or participate in a group sport, all forms of excercise are heart-healthy! At Mini Maid, we know that carrying out even the simplest cardio tasks, such as scrubbing, vacuuming, dusting or mopping, on a regular basis can add up to help make a healthier you. (That’s right, house cleaning is a great form of heart-friendly exercise!)
