Each February, American Heart Month is celebrated throughout the United States. This is a time when there is an intense focus on the awareness surrounding heart disease. Additionally, it aids in teaching individuals how to protect the health of their heart. 
This is one of the most significant federally-designated observances that occur each year.
What Is American Heart Month?
American Heart Month is an event that occurs annually during the Month of February. It is a specially dedicated time when all individuals are encouraged to place a focus on their cardiovascular health.
In 2023, you can take part in this national event by joining the #OurHearts Movement. In 2023, the main emphasis of American Heart Month is heart disease.
Why Is There a Focus on Heart Disease in 2023?
Heart disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in both male and female populations. According to statistics, most young adults and those that are middle-aged have at least one risk factor for the development of heart disease.
The more risk factors that are present, the higher the risk for the development of heart disease. To prevent unnecessary deaths, the #OurHearts Movement is dedicated to increasing the general population’s awareness of the issue.
What Are the Most Common Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
The following classify as the most common risk factor for heart disease among adults within the United States:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High LDL Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical Inactivity
- Smoking
- Secondhand Smoke Exposure
- Unhealthy Diet
Basic Statistics
According to medical records, nearly 900,000 people in the United States alone die of a cardiovascular disease or event – such as heart disease and stroke. To further explain the significance of heart disease, the CDC states that 1 out of every 3 deaths occurs as a result of health disease.
There is $147 billion in lost levels of productivity in the workplace due to the premature death associated with heart disease. Every 34 seconds, a person dies as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Coronary heart disease has been established as the most common form of heart disease. Over 20 million people ages 20 and up have coronary heart disease.
The Movement Focuses on Strong Connections
The American Heart Month in 2023 is placing a heavy focus on the connections that individuals have with others. This is due to the fact that individuals with close-knitted relationships with those in their lives tend to have higher levels of health and live longer lives.
Connecting with others and working on healthy goals together will inspire us to meet them. Examples of ways we can work with others to enhance our health include the following:
- Ask a friend to join you for a walk on a regular basis
- Encourage a relative to join you in a class, such as dancing or aerobics
- Join in fun physical activities with your children – such as skipping rope or swimming
Recommended Levels of Physical Activity
The following outlines the recommended levels of physical activity – according to medical professionals:
- 30 Minutes a Day for at Least 5 Days a Week, Such as Walking
- Muscle Strengthening Activities for 2 Days a Week
- 10-15 Minutes of Physical Activity Per Day
Join the Movement!
If you are ready to take your health to the next level, join the movement today! Visit #OurHearts for information about what others are doing to boost their heart health. Tag #OurHearts so that those that you care about – such as family members and friends – can learn how to improve their health and join in on American Heart Month!
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