February is American Heart Month

Traditionally the month for lovers and all things heart related, February also reminds us to take care of our heart. It is American Heart Month.

The annual celebration began in 1963 to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease. A presidential proclamation pays tribute each year to researchers, physicians, public health professionals and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing, treating and researching heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

Hospitals and health systems around the country celebrate American Hearth Month by helping to raise awareness in their communities about heart disease. Staff wear red and volunteers knit or crochet pint-sized red hats for newborns. They hold free screenings and heart health awareness events.

It’s a great time for the people who work in your hospitals and health systems and live in your communities to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. If you’re not doing so already, get involved in American Heart Month. Spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and living heart healthy lives.