Why, you may ask, do we need an entire month dedicated to spreading the word about heart health?
Well, here’s an excerpt on the history of the month, with some pretty compelling reasons we all need to sit up and take note . . .
The History of American Heart Month
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States. As a result, February was named American Heart Month to increase awareness and to instruct people on preventative measures. The holiday also helps generate money to fund research.
To greatly reduce the chance of heart attacks and heart disease:
- maintain a healthy diet
- don’t smoke
- reduce your stress level and blood pressure
- and exercise at least 20 minutes per day, 3 times a week.
Heart attacks can strike at any time, and can happen to people of any age. Symptoms of a heart attack include shortness of breath, pain or discomfort focused in the chest area, left arm, back, or jaw, sweating, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or rapid heart beats.
So there you have it. Pay attention to your heart, eat right and it will keep you humming along for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Forbes.com.
Excerpt courtesy of corpnote.com.
